The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the United Nations World Food Programme have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing humanitarian air services and strengthening emergency response operations across Nigeria.
The agreement, signed in Abuja on March 25, 2026, provides a strategic framework to improve access to life-saving aid, especially in hard-to-reach and crisis-affected areas.
Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of Civil Aviation, described the partnership as a shared commitment to humanitarian service through stronger collaboration.
He highlighted the critical role of aviation in crisis response, stating that NCAA will deepen operational coordination, streamline regulatory support for humanitarian flights, and promote capacity-building initiatives.
He further emphasized that the initiative reinforces Nigeria’s growing position as a regional hub for humanitarian air operations in West Africa.
Edouard Thiam, Deputy Country Director of WFP Nigeria, said the agreement represents a significant step toward more effective collaboration.
He noted that it will enhance the ability of both organisations to deliver timely assistance, reach vulnerable populations, and support recovery efforts efficiently.
In her remarks, Dr. Augustina Erah, Director of Special Duties at NCAA, highlighted longstanding challenges such as fragmented access, delayed clearances, and inconsistent charges that have hindered humanitarian missions.
She said the MoU is expected to streamline processes and improve the effectiveness of emergency response operations.
Senior officials from both organisations attended the signing ceremony, including Barrister Mary Tufano-Eche, Engr. Godwin Balang, and WFP representatives George Oguta, Dongwook Choi, Matthew Omata, and Ms. Chi Lael.
The MoU signals a strengthened partnership between NCAA and WFP to improve humanitarian air operations, ensuring faster, safer, and more reliable delivery of aid to those most in need across Nigeria.