BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In what has been termed a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and raising the quality of aviation training in Nigeria, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have pledged support for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.
The high-level working visit, held on July 24, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the partnership between NCAT, NLNG, and NCDMB.
The engagement followed an earlier needs assessment visit conducted in August 2024, which identified priority areas requiring intervention.
During the visit, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to jointly elevate the college’s training capabilities.
This collaboration is a pivotal step in building a stronger aviation training ecosystem that meets global standards.
The infrastructure development and equipment upgrades to ensure NCAT continues to produce world-class aviation professionals.
NCAT, formerly known as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre, was established by Act No. 31 of 1964 as a joint programme between the Federal Government of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). When the joint programme ended in 1974, the federal government assumed full responsibility for its management.
The institution remains the country’s premier aviation training hub and, with the 2022 enabling Act, is now empowered to award academic qualifications in addition to professional certifications.
The college is also accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Highlighting NCAT’s growing global reputation, the management stated: “For five consecutive years, ICAO has recognised NCAT for training the highest number of aviation instructors. We also proudly hold the prestigious designation as one of only four ICAO Training Centres for Excellence in Africa, with TRAINAIR PLUS Platinum Excellence status.”
Industry experts emphasised the importance of such partnerships in maintaining high safety and security standards in air transportation.
“The aviation industry is highly regulated and demands utmost alertness, commitment, and professionalism,” said NCAT’s Rector. “Industry support of this nature is vital for sustaining the quality of training required for aviation professionals.”
The NLNG and NCDMB intervention is expected to address critical needs in infrastructure and equipment, thereby enhancing the college’s ability to meet its mandate as Nigeria’s leading aviation training institution.
