The Director General (DG) of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to step up efforts in combating financial crimes and corruption within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Najomo made this appeal in Abuja on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, during a courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s headquarters.
He stressed that fraudulent practices in aviation endanger NCAA’s safety oversight and transparency, emphasizing the need for EFCC’s intervention to mitigate financial risks impacting aviation safety, regulation, and investor confidence.
The DG identified high-value transactions like aircraft purchases, leasing, foreign maintenance contracts, and safety infrastructure procurement as areas prone to fraud and money laundering. He also raised alarm over some airlines’ refusal to remit the mandatory five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC), which reduces NCAA’s internally generated revenue for safety oversight.
“Non-remittance undermines our ability to fund oversight and may need EFCC’s investigation. Some operators deliberately under-report revenues, manipulate ticketing, or divert funds, sabotaging effective regulation. EFCC’s intervention is vital,” he said.
Najomo also pointed out NCAA’s struggle against illegal charter services disguised as private flights, often involving unregulated funds. He stressed the importance of EFCC’s financial intelligence, training of NCAA staff, joint workshops, and intelligence sharing.
Acknowledging EFCC’s role in protecting Nigeria’s financial system, he said the NCAA could not achieve its mandate without the Commission’s support.
Responding, Olukoyede welcomed the collaboration, pledging EFCC’s full involvement in cleansing the aviation industry.
“With your work, having us beside you gives weight. Aviation has seen money laundering, especially via chartered services. We’ll continue working with you until results are achieved,” he said.
He urged NCAA to tighten surveillance at private airport wings, described as hubs for illicit activities, and confirmed EFCC’s readiness to address non-remittance, fraudulent ticketing, and illicit financial flows.
Olukoyede further revealed that EFCC would assign senior officers to partner with NCAA in drafting an MoU for joint investigations, intelligence exchange, and compliance monitoring.
He assured that EFCC remains committed to shielding Nigeria’s aviation sector from fraud and economic sabotage.
