By Peter Omopo
3rd September 2025
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to step up action against fraud and financial crimes undermining transparency and safety in the nation’s aviation sector.
The call was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by NCAA Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, and his management team to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement posted on the EFCC’s official X handle, Najomo identified fraudulent practices affecting regulatory efficiency, including non-remittance of funds, revenue under-reporting, ticketing manipulations, and illegal charter operations disguised as private flights.
“Non-remittance weakens the NCAA’s ability to fund safety oversight and operational efficiency. It may require EFCC’s intervention to investigate cases where deliberate withholding, diversion, or misappropriation of these funds is suspected,” Najomo said.
He also flagged concerns over high-value transactions—such as aircraft purchases, leasing, foreign maintenance contracts, and procurement of safety infrastructure—highlighting their vulnerability to abuse.
To strengthen accountability, the NCAA boss proposed joint initiatives, including intelligence sharing, staff training on detecting financial red flags, and sensitisation workshops.
In response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede welcomed the collaboration, disclosing plans to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies to support joint investigations 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,” Olukoyede said.
The partnership is expected to enhance financial transparency in the aviation sector while tightening regulatory oversight against fraudulent operators.
