NCAA seeks EFCC’s action against aviation sector fraud
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to intensify efforts against fraud and economic crimes within the aviation industry.
The appeal was made on Tuesday when the NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, led his management team on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Details of the meeting were contained in a statement posted on the EFCC’s official X handle.
Najomo raised concerns about fraudulent practices undermining safety oversight and operational transparency in the sector.
He identified high-value transactions vulnerable to abuse, including aircraft purchases, leasing arrangements, foreign maintenance contracts, and procurement of safety infrastructure.
“Non-remittance weakens the NCAA’s ability to fund safety oversight and operational efficiency, and may require EFCC’s intervention to investigate cases where deliberate withholding, diversion, or misappropriation of these funds is suspected,” Najomo said.
He further alleged that some operators deliberately under-report revenues, manipulate ticketing systems, or divert funds, thereby crippling the NCAA’s regulatory capacity. He also flagged illegal charter operations disguised as private flights, which involve unregulated financial flows, stressing the need for EFCC’s financial intelligence to expose such practices.
As part of the solution, Najomo proposed joint initiatives, including training NCAA staff to spot financial red flags, organising sensitisation workshops, and sharing intelligence to strengthen oversight.
Responding, Olukoyede welcomed the partnership and disclosed that senior EFCC officers would work with the NCAA to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding on 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, particularly through chartered services. That is why we have been reaching out to you, and we will continue until we achieve the desired results,” the EFCC chairman said.
