The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has successfully completed and commissioned its long-abandoned regional office accommodation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The building, which had been neglected for over two decades, was officially inaugurated over the weekend by the Acting Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Construction of the office began in 2002 but remained stalled at the structural level for years. However, under Capt. Najomo’s leadership, the project was completed in less than a year.
Speaking at the event, Capt. Najomo highlighted the strategic importance of Port Harcourt as a hub for energy, commerce, and tourism, emphasizing the need for world-class infrastructure to bolster the aviation sector.
The Port Harcourt regional office oversees operations at key airports and airstrips across the region, including Port Harcourt, Bayelsa, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Asaba, Anambra, Imo, Calabar, and Warri.
Capt. Najomo also promised to deliver a completed regional office in Kano within weeks and announced plans to build a new regional office in Enugu.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I urge all stakeholders to continue collaborating with us in shaping the future of aviation in Nigeria. Together, we will soar higher and make our skies safer and more efficient for all users,” he said.
The NCAA’s Regional Manager for Port Harcourt, Mr. Oladipo Adebisi Titus, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement, noting the project’s long and challenging history.
“The project began over 20 years ago and seemed unlikely to ever be completed. Different management teams came and went without progress. This building will not only enhance staff confidence but also provide a properly equipped office complex with all necessary facilities,” he remarked.
Titus further highlighted how the lack of proper infrastructure had previously affected inspections, with operators occasionally taunting NCAA staff about their outdated facilities.
The successful commissioning of the Port Harcourt regional office is a significant milestone, reflecting Capt. Najomo’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and addressing longstanding challenges.
