Stakeholders harp on technology, capacity building of inspectors — Business — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

As the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) celebrates its silver jubilee, stakeholders have emphasised the need for the regulatory body to adapt to new technological innovations and imbibe routine capacity building of staffers to deepen efficiency.

The stakeholders, who spoke at an anniversary symposium organised by the NCAA in Abuja, acknowledged the authority’s accomplishments in building a vibrant, economically viable, internationally competitive, and globally relevant aviation industry despite daunting challenges.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, commended the NCAA for its achievements over the last two and a half decades.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining aviation safety, attributing it to the industry’s growth and development. While noting that aviation safety is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process of adaptation and improvement, the minister pointed out that with advancements in technology, rising passenger demands, and increasing globalisation, the dynamics of aviation safety are evolving rapidly.

Hence, there is a need to address these changes and ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of global aviation safety standards. He further noted that the NCAA’s Silver Jubilee celebration aims to highlight the importance of aviation safety as the foundation for the industry’s growth and development.

Similarly, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, said that as the authority celebrates its current achievements, “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.”

He emphasised that the authority is guided by the Five-Point Agenda of the minister and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, both of which emphasise infrastructure development, safety enhancement, economic growth, and job creation.

“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 added.

To enhance the economic regulatory capabilities of the NCAA, the DGCA announced that a team of ICAO trainers had been invited to train NCAA staff on effective economic regulations.

Since its establishment, the NCAA has drastically reduced aviation-related incidents by enforcing strict compliance measures. Airlines operating within Nigeria now undergo rigorous safety audits, while pilots and crew must meet stringent licensing requirements.

The NCAA’s oversight has also helped attract international airlines, boosting Nigeria’s economy and global aviation footprint. To sustain this momentum, the Managing Director of Finchglow Travels, Ezekiel Ikotun, emphasised that adopting new technology reshapes the aviation industry by navigating complex challenges while unlocking new opportunities.

He predicted Nigeria’s aviation sector would continue to grow, given the availability of innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership. While speaking on capacity development in the aviation industry, the keynote speaker and former Rector at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Samuel Caulcrick, expressed admiration for Nigeria’s first generation of aviators. He noted that they came from diverse backgrounds, overcame financial limitations, and were selected on merit to undergo training and become aviators. He said these aviators have risen in the profession, setting exceptional standards and becoming world-class aviators locally and globally.

However, he lamented that the situation is different today. He attributed the shift to the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) adopted by Nigeria in the mid-1980s, which reshaped funding for human capital development in the aviation sector.

“Once supported by taxpayer funding, the growth of our industry and the training of aspiring aviators have since faced dire constraints. Many families struggle with financial hurdles that hinder their children’s aspirations of becoming aviators. This has led to a diminished recruitment pool for future talent in civil aviation across Nigeria,” he noted.

He further stated that this situation is troubling, as it restricts the nation’s potential to nurture exceptional aviators, who could elevate the industry. “We may have been overlooking individuals blessed with talent, passion, and ambition yet held back by financial limitations. Many will agree, as I do, that this is a disservice to our nation, stifling our capacity to build an unrivalled elite workforce in aviation.” He urged the government to subsidise civil aviation training to address this challenge, similar to the practice in many other countries.

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