KEYAMO, NCAA BOSS URGE IMPROVED AVIATION SAFETY

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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, have underscored the need for enhanced economic regulation and technological innovation to bolster safety in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Speaking at the NCAA’s 25th Anniversary Symposium in Abuja on Saturday, the officials stressed that sustaining industry growth would require strategic planning, collaboration, and continuous adaptation to emerging trends.

Themed “Human Capital Development: Upskilling the Next Generation of Aviators,” the symposium brought together key industry stakeholders to discuss the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Aviation Ministry, Ibrahim Kana, the minister highlighted the NCAA’s milestones over the past 25 years but emphasised the need to build on these achievements through proactive safety planning and stakeholder engagement.

“While the NCAA has made significant strides in the last 25 years, sustaining these gains requires a deliberate focus on safety planning, stakeholder collaboration, and the adoption of innovative practices, especially in training and retraining,” he said.

The minister noted that aviation safety remains a continuous process requiring adaptation to technological advancements, increasing passenger demand, and the impact of globalisation.

“Aviation safety is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process of adaptation and improvement,” he added.

On his part, the NCAA DG, Capt. Najomo reiterated the agency’s commitment to leveraging technology and forging partnerships to enhance Nigeria’s aviation industry.

“As we celebrate our achievements, we must also look ahead, embracing new technologies, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering partnerships that will take the aviation sector to greater heights,” he said.

Najomo reaffirmed that the NCAA remains guided by the minister’s Five-Point Agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, both of which emphasise infrastructure development, safety enhancement, economic growth, and job creation.

“In steering NCAA towards its aspirational goals, we remain faithful to these agendas, ensuring that our regulatory frameworks align with global best practices,” he noted.

To further strengthen NCAA’s regulatory capacity, Najomo disclosed that a team from the International Civil Aviation Organization had been invited to train NCAA personnel on effective economic regulation.

Delivering the keynote address, former Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Samuel Akin Caulcrick, called for increased investment in subsidized aviation training to develop a skilled workforce for the sector’s future.

“As we envision the future, prioritizing human capital development in aviation is paramount. We must invest in the next generation of aviators, equipping them with skills that will propel the industry to greater heights,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, NCAA’s Director of Human Resources and Administration, Anastasia Gbem, emphasized that human capital remains a critical asset in achieving the agency’s long-term objectives.

“Human capital is one of the most critical assets of any organisation that aims for success. This is why NCAA places a high priority on human capital development,” she stated.

Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, commended the NCAA for maintaining strict regulatory standards, describing the agency as professional and effective.

“I know how well-regulated Ibom Air is. The NCAA is efficient and very professional,” he said.

He added, “No matter the relationship you have with the NCAA, you must comply with the rules and do what is right.”