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Aviation unions commend Achimugu for boosting NCAA’s image

By Faheem Lawal Following his recent string of awards, Aviation workers’ unions have commended the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Michael Achimugu, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Nigeria whose work continues to project the country’s aviation industry positively at home and internationally. The commendation was made by the Deputy General Secretary of the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Olayinka Abioye, during a congress of aviation unions held at the NCAA Regional Office in Lagos this week.   Abioye congratulated Achimugu on his recent awards, applauding his contributions to the image of the Authority and the innovations championed by his directorate in advancing engagement with airlines, passengers and other stakeholders in the aviation industry. The commendation comes amid a series of recognitions received by Achimugu in 2026 for his contributions to aviation communication, consumer protection, passenger rights advocacy and professional practice. On October 5, 2026, Achimugu received the Protocol Man of the Year Award from the Centre for Protocol Profession Development (CPDD) and the Council of Protocol Professionals (CIPP). The award was presented on the sidelines of the 13th International Protocol Officers Conference, Workshop and Awards (IPOC 2026), held in Lagos. Earlier, on June 29, 2026, he received the 2026/2027 African Brands Personality Award, presented by the African Brands team led by Mr. Godwin Enesi Chatta at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja. The recognition acknowledged his contributions to consumer protection and passenger rights advocacy in the Nigerian aviation sector. At the 15th Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards held in Lagos on April 17, 2026, Achimugu also received the Aviation Agency Director Award in recognition of his role in strengthening consumer protection and stakeholder engagement. The awards highlight the growing importance of effective public communication, professional conduct and sustained engagement with stakeholders in advancing the interests of the aviation industry and the travelling public. As Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Achimugu plays a key role in communicating the NCAA’s regulatory activities, promoting awareness of passenger rights, addressing consumer concerns and facilitating engagement between the Authority, airlines, the media and the general public. Members of the unions said his directorate also serves as an important channel through which passengers receive information about their rights and responsibilities, including matters relating to flight delays, cancellations, baggage issues and ticket refunds. Tags: #Mr.MichaelAchimugu #NCAA #nigeriancivilaviationauthority (ncaa)      

Oct 16, 2026 • 6

Business

Fitch revises Nigeria’s outlook to positive, affirms ‘B’ rating

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief Fitch has revised Nigeria’s Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings outlook from Stable to Positive, citing the success of the sustained economic reforms and rising foreign exchange reserves. The Global rating agency also noted the easing inflationary pressures and improved prospects for economic growth, which the World Bank has projected at 4.3 per cent for this year. The agency also affirmed Nigeria’s rating at “B”. According to the agency, exchange rate flexibility, declining inflation and faster-than-expected accumulation of foreign exchange reserves were major factors behind the improved assessment. Nigeria’s gross external reserves hit $55 billion last month from $32 billion in mid-April 2024. Fitch said the positive outlook reflected its growing confidence that the government would sustain reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s policy framework and improving macroeconomic stability. The formalisation of foreign exchange transactions, portfolio inflows, higher export earnings and remittances by Nigerians in the Diaspora all play roles in the new rating. The projected expansion is expected to be driven largely by non-oil economic activities.The rating agency also noted that Nigeria’s crude oil production had met the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) target of 1.5 million barrels per day since May 2026. It added that increased domestic refining capacity was helping to reduce imports of refined petroleum products and the associated demand for foreign exchange. Fitch projected average inflation to be at 15.4 per cent in 2026, less than half its 2024 level. It expressed optimism that ongoing tax reforms would improve non-oil revenue mobilisation and strengthen government finances. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, while reacting to the development, in a statement on Friday said, “A positive outlook signals that the rating could be raised if current trends are sustained.” Mr. Oyedele said the decision was further validation that the administration’s reforms were working and impacting positively on the economy. According to him, “with this action, all three major international rating agencies have taken positive rating actions on Nigeria in 2026.”

Oct 12, 2026 • 6