NCAA Issues 8 Air Operator Certificates Within 3 Years

The director general of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo has revealed that the Authority has issued eight Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) under the current administration, which is less than three years.

An Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is an official authorisation issued by the NCAA in Nigeria permitting aircraft operators to use aircraft for commercial air transport services. It verifies that the operator possesses the personnel, assets, and systems required to ensure safety, including maintenance standards, training, and operational control.

Some of the AOCs NCAA issued since late 2024 include Binani Air Global Services (March 2026): Issued for scheduled flight operations; Enugu Air (March 2026): Granted, with the process completed in just under six months; MCM Jets Limited (December 2025): Issued for non-scheduled flight operations; 3 Horizons Limited (September 2025): Issued as a charter operator.

Xejet Limited (April 2024): Early certification highlighting the new “ease of doing business”.
Capt. Najomo revealed this when the permanent secretary of the ministry of aviation and aerospace development Mahmoud Adam Kambari visited him at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.

Najomo further disclosed that the agency has issued eight Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) under the current administration, marking a significant milestone for the industry.

He highlighted the Authority’s regulatory achievements, including improvements in staff welfare, infrastructure, ICT systems, and digital transformation.

While describing the permanent secretary’s visit as timely and commendable, Najomo called for enhanced cooperation among aviation agencies.

He, however, called for increased funding to address financial limitations associated with its cost-recovery mandate.