Achimugu
In an industry often defined by delays, complaints and turbulence, it is rare to hear aviation unions – the most vocal watchdogs of the sector – pause to give flowers to a regulator.
But that was exactly what happened on Tuesday at the NCAA Regional Office in Lagos.
During a congress of aviation unions, the Deputy General Secretary of the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Olayinka Abioye, broke protocol to single out one man for praise.
“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.
And the hall erupted in applause.
The man in question is Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
For Abioye, it was simple: “He is giving the NCAA a very good image internationally and within the country.”
It was not an isolated compliment. It was a confirmation of a year that has turned Achimugu into Nigeria’s most awarded aviation spokesperson.
It has been a harvest of honours. On October 5, 2026, he was named Protocol Man of the Year at the 13th International Protocol Officers Conference, Workshop and Awards (IPOC 2026) by the Centre for Protocol Profession Development and the Council of Protocol Professionals.
On June 29, 2026, the African Brands team led by Mr. Godwin Enesi Chatta came to the NCAA headquarters in Abuja to present him with the 2026/2027 African Brands Personality Award for his relentless advocacy for passenger rights and consumer protection.
And back on April 17, 2026, at the 15th Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards in Lagos, he clinched the Aviation Agency Director Award for strengthening stakeholder engagement.
Three awards. One message: communication matters.
Under Achimugu, the NCAA’s Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection has become more than a press office. It has become a listening post, a help desk, and a bridge. Passengers now know their rights on delays, cancellations, baggage and refunds. Airlines now know someone is watching, but also explaining. The media now has a face that picks calls and provides clarity.
Senior staff at the Authority say the union’s commendation is perhaps bigger than the awards themselves. In aviation, where labour and management often clash, for ATSSSAN to publicly describe Achimugu as a good ambassador of both NCAA and Nigeria is a gold stamp.
As one NCAA staff put it, “It shows what professionalism and constructive engagement can do for public trust.”
Elated staff of his directorate also noted that Achimugu has redefined what it means to be a government spokesman: not just defending policy, but projecting an industry, protecting a traveller, and polishing a nation’s image.
In a season of awards, the loudest applause came not from a plaque, but from the workers themselves.
And sometimes, that is the award that truly flies.
