Aviation workers’ unions have praised the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr Michael Achimugu, for his contributions to the Authority’s public image, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The commendation was made by the Deputy General Secretary of the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Olayinka Abioye, during a congress of aviation unions held at the NCAA Regional Office in Lagos on Tuesday.

Abioye congratulated Achimugu on his recent awards, acknowledging his efforts in strengthening the NCAA’s public image and promoting engagement with airlines, passengers and other stakeholders in the aviation industry.

He particularly commended the initiatives of the Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, noting their role in improving the visibility of the Authority’s activities and consumer protection mandate.

“Is anybody from the office of the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA? We extend our congratulations to him for his recent awards. That man is a wonderful guy. Please clap for him,” Abioye said, drawing applause from participants at the congress.

He added that Achimugu’s contributions had enhanced the Authority’s reputation both within Nigeria and internationally.

“He is giving the NCAA a very good image internationally and within the country,” he said.

The commendation comes amid several recognitions received by Achimugu in 2026 for his contributions to aviation communication, consumer protection, passenger rights advocacy and professional practice.

On October 5, 2026, Achimugu received the Protocol Man of the Year Award from the Centre for Protocol Profession Development (CPDD) and the Council of Protocol Professionals (CIPP).

The award was presented on the sidelines of the 13th International Protocol Officers Conference, Workshop and Awards (IPOC 2026), held in Lagos. He was represented at the presentation by the Assistant General Manager, Education and Awareness Unit, Mrs Ekeh Okam.

Achimugu expressed appreciation to the organisers and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights and obligations of air travellers and aviation operators in Nigeria.

Earlier, on June 29, 2026, he received the 2026/2027 African Brands Personality Award, presented by the African Brands team, led by Mr Godwin Enesi Chatta, at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.

The award recognised his contributions to consumer protection and passenger rights advocacy in the Nigerian aviation sector.

Similarly, at the 15th Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards held in Lagos on April 17, 2026, Achimugu received the Aviation Agency Director Award for his role in strengthening consumer protection and stakeholder engagement.

As Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Achimugu is responsible for communicating the NCAA’s regulatory activities, promoting awareness of passenger rights, addressing consumer concerns and facilitating engagement between the Authority, airlines, the media and the travelling public.

His directorate also provides information to passengers on their rights and responsibilities, including issues relating to flight delays, cancellations, baggage handling and ticket refunds.

A senior NCAA staff member said the commendation from aviation unions was significant, given the role of organised labour in the industry.

The staff member noted that constructive relationships between regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders were essential to building public trust, strengthening accountability and improving service delivery.

Staff of the Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection also welcomed the unions’ remarks, saying the recognition underscored the importance of professionalism and effective communication in projecting an institution’s activities, policies and responsibilities.

They added that Achimugu’s awards and the unions’ commendation highlighted the value of consumer-focused communication and sustained stakeholder engagement in the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The NCAA remains committed to promoting aviation safety, regulatory compliance, consumer protection and improved service delivery in line with its statutory mandate.