BY Olapeju Olubi
To fortify the nation’s aviation manpower stock, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is deepening collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), with a strong emphasis on capacity building through comprehensive training and retraining programmes.
The partnership reflects the NCAA’s commitment to upholding international aviation standards, enhancing regulatory oversight, and ensuring that its staff are equipped with cutting-edge skills to drive Nigeria’s aviation sector forward.
At a meeting held on October 14, 2024, at the NCAA’s headquarters in Abuja, the Acting Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, welcomed the IATA delegation led by its Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Mr. Kamil H. Al-Awadhi.
Captain Najomo expressed the NCAA’s resolve to leverage global expertise in enhancing the authority’s core functions, particularly in safety regulation, service delivery, and operational efficiency.
Central to the discussions was the NCAA’s focus on delivering on key mandatory requirements as a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), a responsibility that demands continuous improvement of both technical and operational competencies.
The IATA, as a global leader in aviation, committed to supporting the NCAA in addressing these critical needs by facilitating high-level training in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
These programs will target areas such as safety management, regulatory enforcement, and the latest technological advancements in air transport.
In addition to the training agenda, the meeting covered broader issues aimed at improving the economic and operational viability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Topics included the development of cost-recovery frameworks, measures to reduce overhead costs, and strategies to address rising ticket prices.
These efforts are designed to not only enhance the financial health of the sector but also make air travel more accessible to the public, while maintaining the highest levels of safety and regulatory compliance.
Captain Najomo further highlighted that this partnership with IATA represents a significant step toward aligning Nigeria’s aviation industry with global best practices, ensuring that the NCAA remains at the forefront of aviation regulation in Africa.
He stressed that by investing in its human capital, the NCAA is laying a strong foundation for the future, where it can meet both present and emerging challenges in the rapidly evolving aviation landscape.
The collaboration between the NCAA and IATA is expected to have far-reaching impacts on Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, ensuring that the country’s airspace remains safe, efficient and competitive on the global stage.
Through the partnership, the NCAA seeks to solidify its role as a key player in the international aviation community, with a workforce that is fully equipped to uphold the highest standards of excellence.
