Only Transparent Procurement Process Can Guarantee Aviation Growth – NCAA

The director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, on Thursday, said only transparent procurement processes can guarantee growth in the aviation sector.

Capt Najomo disclosed this at a Symposium titled, ‘Understanding Procurement Process For Optimum Organisational Performance,’ held in Lagos.

The NCAA DG who was represented by the director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS) Godwin Balang, said all stakeholders in the aviation sector must remain committed and work collectively towards a future where procurement catalyses growth, innovation and national progress.

The NCAA boss also enjoined stakeholders in the sector to embrace transparency in procurement processes.

“The future of Nigeria’s aviation sector depends on our ability to implement a procurement system that is efficient, transparent, and aligned with global best practices. By embracing due process and procurement best practices, we can fully align with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic transformation and good governance.

“The minister’s five-Point Agenda, which emphasises optimising revenue generation for the federal government and the BPP guidelines and international procurement standards, which drive efficiency and accountability,” he said.

Capt. Najomo tasked all stakeholders to remain committed and work collectively towards a future where procurement catalyses growth, innovation, and national progress.

He also added that to optimise revenue generation, procurement practices must eliminate waste, curb corruption, and ensure value for money, ultimately leading to increased government revenue and improved service delivery.

“Public procurement is at the core of government efficiency and fiscal responsibility. In the aviation sector, procurement decisions affect airport infrastructure, air navigation services, safety regulations, and operational efficiency.

If done right, procurement has the power to attract investment, enhance aviation service delivery, and maximise revenue for the nation.

“To support Mr. President’s Agenda and the minister’s five-Point Agenda, we must embrace a procurement system that reduces financial leakages by enforcing strict compliance with due process, encourages competition and fair bidding to attract credible investors, ensures cost-effective contracts that maximise public funds for aviation development and strengthen public-private partnerships to drive efficiency and boost revenue generation.

“As a regulatory agency, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) fully aligns with these principles to promote efficiency, prevent financial mismanagement, and ensure compliance with national policies,” he added.

Also speaking, NCAA director of Corporate Services Rebecca Aghadinazu, noted that the symposium was designed to equip staff with the required tools and skills needed to carry out their job effectively and transparently.

“It is worthy of note that the delay in the immediate startup of the procurement process of capital projects in any fiscal year is majorly a result of poor understanding of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) approved procurement process by various participants in the procurement activities.

“The Procurement Department under the Directorate of Corporate Services has come under serious criticism due to delay in the procurement process, whereas the user Departments failed to perform their role in the process.

“As we may be aware, this programme is designed to improve the efficiency and transparency of our procurement process. Also, it aims at tackling specific structural and capacity challenges of our procurement process while ensuring proper implementation of the Public Procurement Act of 2007.

“In addition, there have been situations where the Procurement Department has been blamed for alleged procurement of inferior goods when, in reality, the user department certifies the goods procured for the use of the department and not the Procurement Department,” she added.