NCAA leadership crisis: Keyamo defends Najomo’s continued stay in acting capacity despite expired tenure

The ongoing leadership uncertainty at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sparked fresh concerns after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, defended the continued stay of the acting Director-General, Chris Najomo, despite his tenure seemingly exceeding the limits set by civil service rules.

Najomo was appointed acting DG on December 13, 2023, following the suspension of the former DG, Musa Nuhu, over allegations of corruption. However, by Section 7 of the Federal Government Public Service Rules, an acting appointment cannot exceed 12 months without formal ratification. With the 12-month mark passed on December 13, 2024, questions have been raised over Najomo’s continued leadership of the NCAA.

In response to inquiries, Keyamo insisted there is no breach of the law, arguing that Najomo’s appointment remains valid until President Bola Tinubu decides otherwise. “His tenure has not expired as Mr President did not appoint him in acting capacity for a specific period. It is only Mr President that can determine his tenure as he continues to act until Mr President says otherwise. That is the correct interpretation of the law. We must await Mr President’s decision on the matter,” Keyamo told reporters on Monday.

He further emphasized that the law prevents a leadership vacuum within government institutions. “If there is no indication from Mr President he continues to act since the law does not permit a vacuum.”

Despite Keyamo’s explanation, industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the implications of Najomo’s prolonged acting status. Aviation expert John Ojikutu criticized the Presidency and the National Assembly for their silence, warning that the delay could foster institutional corruption.

“Today is December 16, and the expiration day for the period of the Ag DG appointment has passed. What is happening again between the ministry, NASS, and the Presidency? Is this not an exploitation or abuse of the statutory laws, or another route to institutional corruption?,” Ojikutu asked.

He further challenged the relevant authorities to address the situation promptly, noting that other agencies within the aviation sector have substantive heads. “Are they saying we can’t ask them questions or what? Is it only the NCAA that is an agency in the aviation industry? Every other agency has substantive heads. It is the NASS that should tell us what is going on exactly now?”

Meanwhile, it was reported that Najomo continues to sign documents in his acting capacity as of Monday.

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