Aviation Shake-Up: NCAA Joins Forces With EFCC To Crush Fraud In Nigeria’s Skies

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sought the support of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to curb rising cases of fraud and economic crimes within the aviation sector.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The appeal was made on Tuesday when NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, led his management team on a courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement shared on EFCC’s official X handle, Najomo raised serious concerns over fraudulent practices undermining safety oversight and transparency in the industry.

High-Value Transactions at Risk

The NCAA boss highlighted key areas vulnerable to abuse, including aircraft procurement, leasing deals, foreign maintenance contracts, and safety infrastructure purchases.

“Non-remittance weakens NCAA’s ability to fund safety oversight and maintain efficiency. EFCC’s intervention may be required to investigate cases of deliberate withholding, diversion, or misappropriation of funds,” Najomo said.

He further accused some operators of under-reporting revenues, manipulating ticketing systems, and diverting funds, which he warned was crippling the NCAA’s regulatory functions. He also flagged the proliferation of illegal charter services disguised as private flights, stressing the need for EFCC’s financial intelligence to expose such activities.

Joint Initiatives Proposed

To combat the menace, Najomo proposed joint initiatives such as training NCAA staff to identify financial red flags, sensitisation workshops, and intelligence-sharing to boost oversight.

In response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede welcomed the collaboration, announcing that senior EFCC officers would work with the NCAA to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering joint investigations, intelligence exchange, and compliance monitoring.

“With the kind of work you do, when people see us beside you, they will take you seriously. Aviation is an area where we have seen money laundering, especially through charter services. That is why we have been engaging you, and we will continue until we achieve the desired results,” Olukoyede said.

The proposed partnership is expected to bolster the fight against financial crimes in Nigeria’s aviation industry while enhancing regulatory oversight and transparency.