NCATAA gets new President, vows to boost industry growth
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Mr Ali Magashi, a former Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and renowned avionics engineer, has emerged the new President of
the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Alumni Association (NCATAA).
The election took place during the Association’s annual general meeting held on Saturday, in Lagos.
In a decisive move to revitalise the association and support the broader Nigerian aviation sector, the newly elected president unveiled a suite of measurable programs designed to foster professional growth, financial stability, and institutional collaboration.
In his acceptance speech, Magashi outlined a comprehensive agenda aimed at strengthening the bond between the alumni and the industry.
He noted the need for a courtesy visits to the Leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and airline CEOs to align alumni expertise with industry needs.
”We will visit the NCAT Zaria executive leadership to identify and address systemic challenges.
“Also, on welfare of members, we will establishgroup and life insurance schemes for members and implement capital-raising drives to fund association activities.
“There is need to launch dedicated social media platforms to streamline internal and external communications and organise a flagship aviation conference to address emerging trends,” he said.
In his keynote address, Mr Samuel Caulcrick, former Rector of NCAT, identified high maintenance costs and “wet-leasing” (which shrinks local job opportunities) as primary obstacles.
Caulrick advocated for the establishment of a state-owned, private-sector-managed Aviation Development Bank (ADB) to provide low-cost capital.
He also called for the development of local maintenance, repair, and Overhaul facilities.
According to him, there is need to Strengthen corporate governance and flight crew skill acquisition.
”Nigeria has to think outside the box by establishing a special vehicle to lower transaction costs and disburse low-cost capital to enterprises that have met Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority requirements,” Caulcrick stated.
Adding to the call for action, Capt. Augustine Okon, founder of the defunct ADC Airlines, emphasised that Nigeria’s lack of a national carrier or meaningful in-country maintenance is not a failure of talent, but a “failure of continuity and courage.”
”What Nigeria needs is clarity of vision, institutional discipline, and execution,” Okon remarked.
He said: “If we get training, maintenance, and a national airline right, in ten years, Nigeria will not be catching up; Nigeria will be leading.”
