The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called for stronger support from the judiciary to enhance understanding of laws governing aviation contracts, particularly the Cape Town Convention (CTC).

Speaking at the grand finale of the international CTC Moot Court held at the Federal High Court in Abuja, NCAA Director-General Captain Chris Najomo emphasized the importance of the convention in boosting Nigeria’s aviation business. The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development with support from the Aviation Working Group (AWG), aimed to familiarize students, academics, and judges with the CTC in a simulated judicial setting.

The CTC comprises the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment 2001 and the Protocol on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment, providing legal assurance to aircraft lessors and operators worldwide. According to Najomo, prior to Nigeria’s adoption of the treaty, many aircraft manufacturers and leasing companies were hesitant to operate in the country.

“The Cape Town Convention has put Nigeria in a better perspective for aircraft lessors and general aviation business,” Najomo said, adding that recent efforts have positioned the nation favorably in the global aviation community.

The moot court featured law students from the University of Benin and the University of Lagos, supervised by a three-member panel of Federal High Court judges. The event included realistic court simulations to enhance participants’ understanding of complex legal provisions under the CTC.

Secretary-General of AWG, Jeffrey Wool, hailed the initiative, stating that the moot court is a crucial step in familiarizing both the judiciary and students with the treaty’s provisions and their economic significance for Nigeria.

The competition involved 18 universities nationwide, with the University of Benin and University of Lagos emerging as top performers in the final round.

Najomo praised the students’ performance, noting it reflects Nigeria’s capacity for excellence in aviation law and governance, and called on the judiciary to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen legal frameworks in the sector.