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 on Tuesday.
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 ATSSSAN official singled out Achimugu for recognition, describing him as a professional whose efforts have helped strengthen the NCAA’s public image and improve the visibility of its consumer protection mandate.
“Is anybody from the office of the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA? We extend our congratulations to him for his recent awards. That man is a wonderful guy. Please clap for him,” Abioye said, drawing applause from participants at the congress.
He further stressed that Achimugu’s work was helping to give the Authority a positive reputation both within Nigeria and beyond its borders.
“He is giving the NCAA a very good image internationally and within the country,” he stated.
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.
Achimugu was represented at the presentation by Ekeh Okam, the Assistant General Manager, Education and Awareness Unit.
He expressed appreciation to the organisers and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights and obligations of air travellers and aviation operators in Nigeria.
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.
A senior staff of the NCAA said the recognition by aviation workers’ unions is particularly significant given the essential role of organised labour in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
“Their commendation reflects the value of constructive relationships between regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders in building public trust, strengthening accountability and promoting improved service delivery.” he said.
Also, elated staff of the directorate affirmed that the unions’ remarks also underscore the importance of individuals who represent their institutions with professionalism and help communicate the achievements, policies and responsibilities of the organisations they serve.
They said Achimugu’s recent awards and the commendation from ATSSSAN reinforce the importance of consumer-focused communication and effective stakeholder engagement in supporting the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The NCAA, they said remains committed to the promotion of aviation safety, regulatory compliance, consumer protection and improved service delivery in accordance with its statutory mandate.
Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
