The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has emphasised the need for adaptation of technology, and deeper economic regulation in the nation’s quest for a safer aviation environment.
This position was echoed by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, on Saturday in Abuja who reaffirmed the agency’s readiness towards upholding the highest standards of safety, and global best practices.
Both senior government officials spoke at the NCAA 25 Years Anniversary symposium titled “Human Capital Development: Upskilling the next generation of aviators.”
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the Minister noted that, “whilst NCAA has achieved maximum success over the past 25 years, sustaining these accomplishments requires a deliberate focus on safety planning, stakeholders collaboration and adoption of innovative practices especially focusing on training and restraining.”
According to him, the Silver Jubilee celebration underscores the importance of aviation safety as the foundation for the growth and development of the aviation.
Keyamo reiterated the fact that aviation safety is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process of adaptation and improvement with advancement in technology, rising passengers demand and increasing globalization, adding that the dynamics of aviation safety are evolving rapidly.
Earlier in his address, Capt Najomo highlighted the need for forging partnerships with relevant bodies, in a bid to take the industry to higher heights.
His words: “We must also look ahead to embracing new technologies, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering partnerships that will elevate our aviation industry to even greater heights.”
“In propelling NCAA to aspirational heights, and in line with this symposium, we are faithfully guided by the Honourable Minister’s Five-Point Agenda and ultimately Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, both of which emphasize infrastructure development, safety enhancement, economic growth, and job creation” he noted.
“As we chart the course over the next 25 years and beyond, let us reaffirm our resolve to uphold the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and global best practices” he further stated.
To enhance the economic regulatory capabilities of the NCAA, the DGCA announced that a team of ICAO trainers have been invited to train NCAA staff on effective economic regulations.
On his part, the keynote speaker and former Rector at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Samuel Akin Caulcrick, argued that Nigeria could tap from the diverse and talented pool of aviators destined to drive growth and innovation within the industry by investing in subsidised aviation training.
“As we envision the future, prioritising human capital development in aviation is paramount. We must invest in the next generation of aviators, equipping them with skills and training that will propel our industry to exceptional heights” he said.
In her comment, Dr. Anastasia Gbem, the Director Human Resources and Administration, NCAA, who is also the NCAA @25 Planning Committee Chairperson, the NCAA said NCAA’S goal is to continue to increase and sustain the safety our skies.
“These we cannot do without human capital. Human Capital is very capital asset is one of.the most critical asset of an organisation that wants to succeed thus priority is given to human capital development at NCAA” she emphasized.
The Chief Operating Officer, Mr. George Uriesi acknowledged the NCAA effective regulatory capabilities.
“I know how effective Ibom.Air is regulated. The NCAA is effective and very professional” he said adding that “no matter the relationship you have with the NCAA, you will have do what is right.
The Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation also eulogised the NCAA at the event.
