Ken Okeke
Consistent training of aviation workers has been described as critical to improving safety in the industry.
Former Director-General of Nigeria Civil Aviation (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, who said this therefore called on the Federal Government to sustain the training of aviation workers to ensure safer civil aviation in Nigeria.
He maintained that the country was able to achieve the United States Federal Aviation Administration Category One status for Nigeria because of the quality of regulation and aviation safety. He said he couldn’t have achieved the feat without the training and retraining of staff.
The US FAA Category One status signifies that a country’s civil aviation authority has met the federal standards for safety, allowing airlines from that country to operate flights to the United States without restrictions and participate in code-share agreements with US carriers.
Dr. Demuren, who spoke Saturday night at the NCAA @25 Gala and Award Night with the theme Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority: Sustaining Safer Skies, reiterated that aviation has become the engine for economic growth.
On behalf of all the past DGs, he commended the current NCAA DG, Capt. Chris Najomo, for also prioritising the security and safety of the aviation industry.
“Let me give you one word – human capacity is critical. Aviation is changing. Technology is changing everywhere. What we were doing before isn’t what we are doing now. Don’t look at anybody. Training and continuous training are very important. Without that, you can’t achieve anything. Foreign training costs a lot of money, not just in estacodes and tickets but time too. You must continue to do it. If you continue to do it, there will be safer skies,” he said.
Responding, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, agreed with Dr. Demuren and assured that the ministry will not deprive staff of their requisite training.
He also disclosed that he has obtained relevant approvals from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the need for NCAA staff to be trained abroad in line with global best practices.
“As we look to the future, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development remains committed to supporting initiatives that will further elevate our aviation sector and ensure that infrastructure and transportation are enhanced as enablers of growth in line with Priority 5 (five) of the Presidential Priorities,” he stated.
The DGCA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said NCAA is proud of its previous achievements, even as he thanked those who have made 25 years of robust civil aviation regulation in Nigeria successful.
“Tonight, we honor not just our past, but also our future, celebrating the milestones, redefining our industry, and the people who have propelled us forward,” he said.
He further noted that NCAA’s journey over the last 25 years has been one of excellence and unwavering commitment to the highest standards and innovation, adding that it has been made possible by the tireless commitments of past Director-Generals and management teams, the support of service providers, aviation associations, our leaders, credible pressmen, articulate unions, and the entire NCAA staff.
He said their collective contributions have lifted the NCAA to its current status as a leader in global innovation, safety, and oversight.
The high point of the event was the award to deserving staff, past DGs, and others who have contributed to some milestones achieved by the NCAA.