The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed concern over a scheme to extort the organisation and Capt. Chris Najomo, the acting director general.
Michael Achimugu, the head of consumer protection and public relations, released a statement on behalf of the agency stating that it stands by its previous press release in which it denied the rumour that the director-general had bought a N250 million SUV.
According to a portion of the statement, “the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has received a shocking barrage of blackmail proposals and letters from various sponsored groups masquerading as perception managers and influence groups, following the recent false, vexatious, and defamatory publication by the Daily Nigerian.”
With this declaration, the Authority and its director-general, Capt. Chris Najomo, are stating unequivocally that they will not submit to threats or blackmail of any kind. We are aware of the components underlying these fictitious initiatives intended to support the quest of some power-seekers, and we will vehemently oppose any additional attempts to destabilise our organisation.
“The legitimate Civil Society Organisations that have written to request clarification on the issues presented are acknowledged by the NCAA. We will remain open and honest about their concerns, and we maintain by our statement from the April 29, 2024 press conference that no cars had been purchased and, therefore, no procurement laws had been violated.
It is challenged to be published by any publication, organisation, or person that has a purchase receipt or other proof of the same.
The Authority will not hesitate to take legal action against blackmailers whose demands for money to “defend” a victim of defamation or have them face negative public embarrassment are not only sad but intolerable. This is in response to the notice of legal action that has been served on the publisher of Daily Nigerian and his reporter.
“The NCAA remains committed to ensuring that safety and economic regulations are strictly adhered to,” the agency stated, restating its commitment to safeguarding safety in the aviation sector. We have important work ahead of us, and we must recognise and value President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo’s dedication to advancing the aviation industry as the engine of Nigeria’s economic expansion. The unions and employees of the NCAA, who recently voted to support the Capt. Najomo-led administration, are greatly appreciated.
For the sake of clarity, blackmail and lies will not divert the attention of the agency or Capt. Chris Najomo.