Airlines Expand Fleets As Cape Town Convention Boosts Aircraft Financing – NCAA
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has said the implementation of the Cape Town Convention is driving fleet expansion among Nigerian airlines by improving access to aircraft financing.
Najomo made the remarks at the 15th Annual National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2026) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Summit held at the NCAA Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Represented by the NCAA Deputy Manager, Public Relations, Mrs. Carol Adekotujo, the NCAA chief said the convention has created opportunities for airlines to acquire more aircraft, strengthen operational capacity and support growth within the aviation sector.
He noted that the summit’s theme, “Soaring Beyond Limits: Youth Innovation and Leadership in Aviation,” reflects ongoing developments in the industry and underscores the importance of preparing young Nigerians for careers in aviation and aerospace.
Najomo encouraged students interested in professions such as piloting, aerospace engineering, air traffic management and cabin crew services to take advantage of mentorship programmes and practical training opportunities.
He also urged future aviation professionals to embrace emerging technologies, including autonomous aircraft systems, electric aviation and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).
Speaking at the event, Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, Dr. Gbenga Olowo, represented by the company’s Marketing and Business Relationship Manager, Mr. Nurudeen Adeokin, described the competition’s 15-year history as a significant investment in human capital development. He stressed that the future of aviation would be driven by innovation, artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven technologies.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), represented by Assistant Comptroller General (Narcotics), Mrs. Rita Geh, reiterated the importance of a drug-free lifestyle for aspiring aviation professionals. She warned that substance abuse poses serious risks to aviation safety and encouraged students to support the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
The summit featured essay presentations on aviation safety and security. Secondary school participants addressed the topic, “The Impact of Social Media on Air Transport Safety,” while tertiary institution contestants examined “Ending Luggage Tag Swapping in Drug Trafficking at Nigerian Airports.”
At the end of the competition, Oluwafemi Joshua Oluwaseyifunmi of Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja, emerged winner in the secondary school category, receiving N120,000 and a complimentary domestic flight ticket sponsored by Arik Air. Patrick Chidiebere David of Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando, placed second, while Eloyewan Naomi of Abesan Senior High School finished third.
In the tertiary category, Odetayo Omolola Elizabeth of the University of Lagos won first place, receiving N150,000 and a return ticket to Johannesburg sponsored by South African Airways. Adebakin Temiloluwa Esther of the University of Lagos came second, while Vincent Ikechukwu Maduka of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, finished third.
The event also witnessed the introduction of the Steadfast Spirit Award by Mrs. Peace Jesulayomi Akinsulire, winner of the 2017 edition of the National Travel Essay Competition.
