The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has flagged off the implementation of the Federal Government’s National Youth Development Directive programme as it introduced the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP), approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February 2025.
The implementation of the AUDP follows the approval by Tinubu for a national structure for youth empowerment across Ministries and Agencies.
To key into this, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has directed agencies under its purview, including the NCAA, to align their youth-related efforts with the national framework.
Speaking during a programme at the NCAA Annexe in Lagos, its director general, Captain Chris Najomo, said over 100 youths have been selected from communities around airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Kano to participate in multidisciplinary sectors.
Najomo said the AUDP initiative will assist the youths to understand and navigate their way into the aviation sector.
He said: “But, as a deep and firm believer in the future of young Nigerians. We are here to introduce a modest but important initiative: the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP). But more importantly, we are here to speak honestly and constructively about the real opportunities that exist in aviation and how you, as young graduates, can position yourselves to take advantage of them.
“The Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP) is not an overnight solution. It is a growing initiative aimed at helping young Nigerians, particularly graduates, understand and begin to navigate their way into aviation.
“From documentation systems to surveillance tools, aviation today runs on digital skills. Master tools like Microsoft Excel, basic GIS, safety reporting apps, or data visualisation platforms, and engage partners to support skill-building initiatives. We will not over-promise. But we will do our part —step by step—to open the space and carry young Nigerians forward into the aviation future.
“To every young person listening to me today: aviation is open to you, but you must be ready to learn, to work, and to lead. The journey may not be easy, but it is worth it.
“Let the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme be a conversation starter. Let it be a bridge between where you are and where you want to go. We look forward to walking that bridge with you.”
Najomo said the objectives are to develop skills for key aviation roles, bridge the skills gap, support job creation, foster international collaboration, and promote sustainable aviation practices by equipping professionals with knowledge on sustainable aviation practices, including environmental regulations, renewable energy sources, and green technologies.
Through this programme, Najomo said the NCAA seeks to empower the next generation of aviation professionals by offering them the tools and resources required to succeed. It will address the specific training needs of the aviation industry and ensure participants gain a strong foundation in the global standards and best practices that define it today.
The target participants are recent graduates from tertiary institutions, undergraduates, and fresh school leavers; young professionals looking for career transition; women and under-represented groups in aviation; and current aviation workers seeking professional development.
In her remarks, Director of Human Resources and Administration, Dr. Anastasia Gbem said: “ This initiative is a crucial step towards addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector, including talent shortages, regional disparities, and gender imbalances. The AUDP is designed to empower young Nigerians with the skills, knowledge, and guidance they need to succeed in the aviation industry. Our goal is to equip the next generation of aviation professionals with the tools and resources they need to excel in this dynamic industry.
“I am confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation industry, creating job opportunities, reducing unemployment, and enhancing our standing in the international aviation community.”
In the closing remarks, regional manager, South West, NCAA, Olubukola Aduragbemi Teriba said: “ The NCAA is proud to host this empowerment Programme to align with the NCAA broader vision to build a suitable and globally competitive aviation sector in Nigeria which will prepare and equip the Nigerian youth with specialised technical knowledge needed to confidently step into the array of jobs available within the industry thereby creating jobs opportunities, reducing unemployment and enhancing Nigeria’s image in the international community.
“As the regulator, NCAA is not only a custodian of safety, security and economic oversight, but duty-bound to ensure inclusivity, access to opportunities and a sustainable future workforce for our industry.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the challenges faced by Nigeria in creating jobs for youths and skilled workers in the Aviation Sector. So, this initiative will fill in the gap to prepare young Nigerians by equipping them with technical knowledge which will prepare them to take up jobs available in the aviation industry.”
