Najomo hinges Nigeria’s aviation future on transparent procurement system

The Director-General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Chris Najomo has stated that the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector depends on the agency’s ability to implement a procurement system that is efficient, transparent, and aligned with global best practices.

He stated this at a symposium on procurement processes in line with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), due process and world best practices towards optimal performance held in Lagos on Thursday.

The aviation sector, he reiterated plays a pivotal role in achieving these national objectives, adding the agency’s procurement processes must be efficient, transparent, and revenue-driven to support this vision.

This symposium serves as a vital platform to align our procurement strategies with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) guidelines, international best practices, and the overarching national vision.

He further stated that at the heart of this vision is Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition Nigeria for economic prosperity, infrastructural development, and good governance.

“ The aviation sector plays a pivotal role in achieving these national objectives, and our procurement processes must be efficient, transparent, and revenue-driven to support this vision”.

Najomo disclosed that in the aviation sector, procurement decisions affect airport infrastructure, air navigation services, safety regulations, and operational efficiency.

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

As a regulatory agency, Najomo said the NCAA fully aligns with these principles to promote efficiency, prevent financial mismanagement, and ensure compliance with national policies.

Director, of Corporate Services of NCAA, Rebecca Aghadinazu hinted that the delay in the immediate startup of the procurement process of capital projects in any fiscal year is majorly a result of a poor understanding of BPP approved procurement process by various participants in the procurement activities.

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

 “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.”

 “It is important to note that procured goods, works and services, form a reasonable portion of expenditure in any organization and to achieve efficiency, effectiveness and value for money, the entire staff of the authority require acquisition of relevant skill through proper awareness and sensitization”.