The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that the current acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, will remain in office until President Bola Tinubu issues a directive otherwise.
Keyamo made this disclosure in a phone conversation with our on Monday, according to The Punch.
On December 13, 2023, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development suspended the former DG of the agency, Musa Nuhu, over allegations of corrupt practices and appointed Chris Najomo as acting Director-General.
However, according to Section 7 of the Federal Government Public Service Rules, an officer appointed in an acting capacity cannot hold the position for more than 12 months.
Section 7(a) of the Federal Government Civil Service Rules stipulates that recommendations for an officer appointed in an acting capacity must be forwarded to the Federal Civil Service Commission using Form 66, along with a certificate confirming that the acting officer will assume the full duties and responsibilities of the position.
According to this rule, Najomo was expected to step down from the top office of the agency four days ago.
However, the minister clarified that the interpretation of the law means the acting DG will remain in position until President Bola Tinubu issues a directive otherwise.
He further added that the law does not allow for any vacancy in the position.
Keyamo said, “His tenure has not expired as Mr President did not appoint him in acting capacity for a specific period. It is only Mr President that can determine his tenure as he continues to act until Mr President says otherwise. That is the correct interpretation of the law. We must await Mr President’s decision on the matter.
“If there is no indication from Mr President he continues to act since the law does not permit a vacuum.”
Industry expert John Ojikutu criticized both the Presidency and the National Assembly, stating that there was no justification for Najomo to remain in an acting capacity beyond a year.
Ojikutu warned that if the situation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to institutional corruption.
He said, “Today is December 16, and the expiration day for the period of the Ag DG appointment has passed. What is happening again between the ministry, NASS, and the Presidency? Is this not an exploitation or abuse of the statutory laws, or another route to institutional corruption?
“Are they saying we can’t ask them questions or what? Is it only the NCAA that is an agency in the aviation industry? Every other agency has substantive heads. It is the NASS that should tell us what is going on exactly now.”
