Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, have emphasized the need for stronger economic regulation and technological advancements to enhance aviation safety in Nigeria.
Speaking at the NCAA’s 25th Anniversary Symposium in Abuja, the officials stressed that the industry’s continued growth hinges on strategic planning, collaboration, and the adoption of emerging technologies.
Themed *“Human Capital Development: Upskilling the Next Generation of Aviators,”* the symposium brought together key industry stakeholders to discuss the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Aviation Ministry, Ibrahim Kana, Keyamo acknowledged the NCAA’s achievements over the past 25 years but urged proactive safety measures and stakeholder engagement to sustain progress.
“Aviation safety is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process of adaptation and improvement,” he stated, highlighting the need for continuous training and innovation.
Capt. Najomo reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to leveraging technology and forging partnerships to elevate industry standards. “As we celebrate our achievements, we must also look ahead, embracing new technologies, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering partnerships that will take the aviation sector to greater heights,” he said.
Najomo further noted that NCAA remains guided by the minister’s Five-Point Agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritize infrastructure development, safety enhancement, economic growth, and job creation.
To strengthen NCAA’s regulatory framework, Najomo revealed that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had been invited to train NCAA personnel on effective economic regulation.
Delivering the keynote address, former Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Samuel Akin Caulcrick, called for increased investment in subsidized aviation training to develop a skilled workforce for the sector’s future.
NCAA’s Director of Human Resources and Administration, Anastasia Gbem, also emphasized human capital development as key to the agency’s long-term success.
Meanwhile, Ibom Air’s Chief Operating Officer, George Uriesi, commended NCAA’s strict regulatory standards, describing the agency as “efficient and professional.”
The symposium reinforced the NCAA’s role in maintaining global aviation standards while fostering growth and innovation in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
