Ken Okeke
The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, has called for enhanced collaboration and a paradigm shift in the approach to aviation security, stressing that the safety of Nigeria’s airspace must remain a shared national priority.
He made the call during a symposium held in Lagos on Tuesday, themed “Fundamentality of Aviation Security in Achieving the Safe-Skies Goal.”
Addressing a distinguished gathering of aviation professionals, regulators, operators, and security experts, Dr Onyema underscored the critical role aviation security plays in ensuring not just the smooth operation of airlines, but in preserving national and international trust in Nigeria’s aviation system.
He emphasised that aviation security should not be perceived as a bureaucratic requirement but as the “lifeblood of our operations”.
The Air Peace boss warned that with global threats constantly evolving – including cyberattacks, insider threats, and terrorism – Nigeria must respond with equally dynamic and forward-thinking strategies.
“At the core of the ‘Safe-Skies Goal’ is collaboration. No one agency or operator can do it alone,” he declared.
He went on to describe how Air Peace Ltd has embedded this principle into its operations by investing in cutting-edge security technology, rigorous staff training, and sustained partnerships with relevant agencies.
However, beyond technology and processes, Onyema stressed the importance of a security-focused mindset across the industry. “It is also about mindset… We cannot afford to treat aviation security as reactive; it must be predictive and preventive,” he stated.
He challenged stakeholders present not to let the symposium become “another talkshop,” but to actively contribute, share best practices, and commit to implementable outcomes.
“In closing, I reaffirm our commitment to working with all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of our skies. Our passengers deserve nothing less, and our future as an aviation nation depends on it,” he concluded to resounding applause.
Onyema applauded the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for organising the timely forum and for its continued commitment to robust safety oversight in the sector.
The symposium, convened by the NCAA, aims to deepen discourse on aviation security amid increasing regional and global threats and to position Nigeria’s aviation sector for proactive, secure, and sustainable growth