Beyond the Cockpit: NCAA reveals available lucrative aviation careers

The aviation industry is often associated with pilots and cabin crew, but the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is shedding light on the numerous other career opportunities that exist beyond the cockpit.

In a bid to encourage more people to explore the vast potential of the aviation sector, the NCAA has highlighted several in-demand roles that offer job security, growth opportunities, and the chance to be part of a dynamic industry.

From aircraft maintenance technicians to air traffic controllers, these careers are not only fulfilling but also offer opportunities for global employment. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, NCAA says it’s time to look beyond the traditional roles and explore the many career paths that can take you to new heights.

Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, emphasised the importance of researching areas where there are skill gaps and adding value to the industry.

By doing so, individuals can tap into the numerous opportunities available in the aviation sector and build a rewarding career. With the right training and expertise, aviation professionals can explore job opportunities both locally and internationally.

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“Many young Nigerians are investing in cabin crew training. They love the glamour of that career. It is a beautiful line of work. You get to serve people from all works of life. Your patience gets tested as much as your character. You learn to smile whether you are happy or not. You wear cute uniforms and travel freely but there are other careers in aviation that add value and probably have more work openings.

“I would strongly recommend/encourage more young people to train to become any of the following: Aircraft maintenance technician, aerospace engineer, flight instructor, flight dispatcher, marshaller,

Air traffic controller, amongst others,” Michael Achimugu, director, public affairs and consumer protection, NCAA stated in his X handle.

He advised that if people want to go into aviation, they should research, beyond just their passion, the areas where there are more needs for operators and other service providers.

“Where is the scarcity? Fill that space and add value. All of the above-mentioned also get job opportunities outside Nigeria. Give it a thought. Aviation is a satisfying industry where all of the parts working together make an excellent whole. Start that training today, Achimugu said.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

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.