NCAA Seeks Judiciary’s Support To Deepen Understanding Of Aviation Contract Laws
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has called for stronger collaboration with the judiciary to deepen understanding of the laws governing contractual dealings in the aviation sector, particularly the Cape Town Convention (CTC).
Najomo made the call at the grand finale of the International CTC Moot Court held at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The CTC, which comprises the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment 2001 and the Protocol to the Convention on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment, provides an international legal framework for securing aircraft transactions.
Represented by the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training, Captain Donald Tonye Spiff, the NCAA boss said the implementation of the CTC had significantly improved Nigeria’s standing with aircraft lessors and global aviation financiers.
“The CTC has put Nigeria in a better perspective to aircraft lessors and general aviation business. Before now, many leasing and manufacturing companies were reluctant to engage with Nigeria, but the convention has changed that narrative,” Najomo said.
He commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for strengthening Nigeria’s compliance with the convention, adding that the country was now seen as a more reliable partner in international aviation transactions.
“Through the efforts of the Minister, we are now in the good books of these organisations. This enlightenment programme is to show that Nigeria is ready for business,” he added.
Najomo explained that the moot court exercise was designed to expose students, academics, and members of the judiciary to the CTC’s application through simulated legal proceedings and complex hypothetical cases.
He also commended the students for their outstanding performance, describing their participation as proof of Nigeria’s intellectual capacity and readiness to engage globally.
The Secretary-General of the AWG and Co-Director of the CTC Academic Project, Mr. Jeffrey Wool, expressed delight over Nigeria’s successful hosting of its first international CTC moot court.
He noted that the CTC remains a vital economic instrument for countries seeking to attract investment in the aviation sector, and applauded the Federal High Court for issuing a practice direction to guide the handling of CTC-related cases.
“The moot court provides a practical avenue to introduce students and the legal system to this very important treaty,” Wool said.
The event featured a simulated courtroom session between law students from the University of Benin and the University of Lagos, adjudicated by a three-member panel comprising Justices Binta Nyako (presiding), Joyce Abdulmalik, and James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.
Eighteen universities from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones participated in the preliminary rounds of the competition, from which UNIBEN and UNILAG emerged as the top two finalists.
