Month: April 2025

  CHUKS OKOH For stepping up security across the aviation sector, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has applauded the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for convening a high-level symposium focused on the pivotal role of aviation security in ensuring safer skies. Speaking during her goodwill message at the event themed “Fundamentality of Aviation Security in Achieving the Safe-Skies Goal”, Mrs Kuku described the gathering as both timely and necessary in today’s dynamic security landscape. Addressing an audience comprising regulatory authorities, aviation professionals, airline operators, and security experts, Mrs Kuku commended the leadership of the NCAA, under the stewardship of Director General Captain Chris Najomo, for what she termed a “crucial initiative” that promotes collective engagement and strategic dialogue in the aviation sector. “This symposium could not have come at a better time,” she remarked. “Our gathering here will go a long way in promoting security consciousness, fostering collaboration, and enhancing aviation security governance across Nigeria in alignment with ICAO standards, particularly Annexe 17. The significance of this cannot be overstated.” Emphasising the increasing complexity of aviation threats amidst rapid technological advancement, Mrs Kuku highlighted the need for unwavering and adaptive security frameworks. “Our commitment to reinforcing aviation security must be steadfast. Through dialogues like this, where expertise, experience, and innovation intersect, we can collectively share strategies that ensure safety without compromising operational efficiency.” She expressed optimism that the symposium would provide a platform for exchanging best practices and developing innovative approaches to bolster airport security nationwide. “I am confident that our collective expertise will shape the future of aviation security in Nigeria,” she said. Recognising the roles of diverse stakeholders, she stated, “We acknowledge the invaluable contributions of regulatory bodies, airline operators, security agencies, and other critical players in upholding the highest standards of security in our aviation ecosystem.” The FAAN MD concluded by reaffirming her agency’s commitment to supporting collaborative efforts that safeguard passengers, crew, and the public. “I commend the Director General of the NCAA for his foresight in convening this event. May the outcomes of this symposium lead us ever closer to achieving truly safe skies.” The symposium is part of the initiatives and strategic planning toward deepening the implementation of aviation security measures across Nigerian airports.

  CHUKS OKOH. The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Lagos State chapter, on Monday stressed the importance of safety standards to the growth of the aviation industry. The Chairman of ISPON Lagos Branch, Mr Olusola Ogunleye, made the call during a media interactive session held in Lagos. Recall that the session commemorated the International Labour Organisation (ILO) World Safety Day. The 2025 ILO World Safety Day is with the theme: ‘Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work’. According to Ogunleye, the aviation industry focuses not only on passenger traffic, but on ensuring safe take-offs and landings, maintaining its status as the safest transport mode. He noted: “In 2014, ISPON reviewed its training portfolio to introduce a new course called ‘Aviation Safety.’ This model is performing well.” Ogunleye revealed that, within a few months, the ISPON Aviation Charter would be inaugurated to strengthen aviation safety initiatives further. “We understand Nigeria can no longer stand on the fence regarding safety,” Ogunleye said. He added that ISPON is collaborating with agencies such as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to establish health and safety desks. Ogunleye stated that FAAN already has a desk, with plans underway for wider adoption across aviation agencies. “Very soon, all safety personnel must be certified by ISPON; Air Peace, Green Africa, and Sahara Aviation have already signed up,” he said. Speaking on the 2025 ILO theme, Ogunleye highlighted that artificial intelligence (AI) is now a transformative force in workplace innovation. He said: “AI-powered systems can predict hazards before they occur, allowing proactive measures to prevent accidents.” He explained that machines now analyse patterns in real-time, detecting risks unseen by the human eye. “Wearable devices monitor workers’ vitals, alerting supervisors to signs of fatigue or stress to prevent health crises,” he added. Digitalisation, Ogunleye said, further enhances these capabilities by equipping workplaces with Internet of Things (IoT) technology. “Smart workplaces now track environmental conditions like air quality, temperature, and noise levels, ensuring safer environments,” Ogunleye explained. He added that digital training platforms offer immersive simulations, preparing workers for high-risk scenarios without actual exposure to danger. Ogunleye noted the major benefits of AI and digitalisation as reduced incidents, enhanced efficiency, and, most importantly, saving lives. However, he cautioned that AI integration must prioritise ethical considerations, data privacy, and ensure inclusivity for all workers. He called for collaboration across industries, government, and institutions, emphasising ISPON’s readiness to partner with relevant agencies. Ogunleye also urged the government to invest more in technology and infrastructure to promote workplace safety and innovation.

CHUKS OKOH, Nigeria’s aviation sector is set for a major transformation with a regulatory overhaul targeting 92 airstrips across the country. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced tightened oversight anchored in the Civil Aviation Act 2022, aiming to address crumbling infrastructure, illegal operations, and stalled economic potential. According to NCAA Director General Captain Chris Najomo, the airstrips are lifelines for rural communities, and the regulatory overhaul will prioritize size-specific permits, emergency response integration, and rural development. The NCAA said it has begun audits, and non-compliant operators risk penalties. Only a fraction of the airstrips currently hold valid permits, suggesting safety risks. The authority said it aims to fast-track upgrades and has pledged workshops to address challenges, ensuring regulations to foster growth and not stifle it. The NCAA seeks partnerships to convert dilapidated strips into hubs for healthcare, agriculture, and tourism. Captain Najomo emphasized that safety isn’t negotiable, while Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards Engr. Godwin Gyang Balang stressed collaboration, noting that unlicensed airports face sanctions by 2026. The summit united state governors, private operators, and global experts, with discussions focusing on funding gaps, outdated infrastructure, and permit delays. The NCAA aims to prove even remote runways can uplift communities, and the reforms symbolize a broader shift from enforcement to empowerment. The authority bets on synergy to turn forgotten runways into engines of prosperity. With monthly progress reviews and public dashboards for transparency, the NCAA is committed to ensuring the regulatory overhaul achieves its goals.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, will reopen for flight operations on Monday, 28th April 2025, following the completion of emergency runway repairs. On April 18th, 2025, FAAN had announced that due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway, the runway would be shut down for emergency repairs. The work was scheduled to begin on April 22nd and conclude before reopening on May 6th, 2025. FAAN’s Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah says “rehabilitation works on the runway have been completed, and the runway is cleared for landings and takeoffs by the engineers working with FAAN. FAAN appreciates all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. The Authority sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience but assures the public that all actions were taken in the interest of safety.”

CHUKS OKOH Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has reiterated its unwavering zero tolerance policy against any form of violence within the terminal premises, particularly against personnel discharging their lawful duties. According Mrs Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi,  head, Corporate Communications Department Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited in a statement, there was an incident last Sunday, when a disturbance broke out at the check-in counter of one of the airlines operating from MMA2. Olawuyi said the disruption stemmed from passenger agitation over issues reportedly linked to a system error. While efforts were being made to calm the situation and facilitate a smooth resolution, an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer on duty was physically assaulted by a male passenger. She recalled that the regrettable incident mirrors a similar occurrence in December 2024, where another staff member was also assaulted while on duty which BASL strongly condemned these acts and emphasized that violence against any staff member or service provider at MMA2 will not be condoned under any circumstances. “The matter was immediately escalated, and the offending passenger has since been handed over to the police for further investigation and necessary legal action. BASL will continue to follow up on the case to ensure justice is served. “We are deeply concerned by the recurrence of such attacks on our personnel and will not hesitate to take decisive action to protect all individuals who work at MMA2,” said Olawuyi, “All passengers and terminal users are expected to resolve grievances through lawful and respectful means. Our staff are here to assist and must be treated with dignity.” BASL remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and secure environment for all terminal users and will continue working closely with the appropriate authorities to enforce its zero-tolerance stance on violence.

CHUKS OKOH Two newly trained Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) pilots for its flight calibration aircraft have been presented to the Managing Director of the agency in Abuja. This is a bid to develop the capacity of the flight calibration unit of  NAMA after the agency took over the calibration aircraft from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Speaking shortly before the presentation of the pilots to the NAMA boss, the general manager incharge of flight calibration services, Engr Selzing Miri said, the agency was in dire need of having its own pilots to man their aircraft for future uses Miri explained that two NAMA staff were pilots already were sent to Dubai for a type rating training on the King Air 350i aircraft used for the flight calibration exercise He noted that the NAMA Boss, Engineer Umar Farouk has been so passionate in developing the unit without hesitating to see the young pilots being trained adding that he has given the assurance of support in developing them to full fledged calibration pilots Miri, who is also the president of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers, said, the process of developing the calibration unit began in 2019 under former minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika when the training started in order to build capacity to keep the Navigational facility current He said it will a continuous process until the country’s flight calibration becomes fully functional with extended to neighbouring countries and beyond. “The flight calibration unit comprises of pilots, aircraft engineers and flight inspectors while flight inspectors training is already advanced and preparing for checking out by their foreign partners soon” According Miri, with the checking out of the flight calibration crew, the country is gradually moving towards attaining the capacity of rendering services not only to Nigeria but outside the country to those deserving the calibration with NAMA having all the requirements

CHUKS OKOH, Following the diversion of flights from Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu, to the Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport in Umueri, the management of the airport says they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure seamless operations The Managing Director and chief executive officer of the Anambra State owned airport, Mr. Martins Nwafor in an interview, said all necessary arrangements were being made to receive diverted flights from Enugu Airport, which is set to undergo runway repairs. Mr Nwafor, expressed confidence in the airport’s preparedness to handle the increased traffic. According to Mr. Nwafor, the airport has been handling flights, particularly during peak seasons, and has the necessary infrastructure to accommodate more flights. He said, the airport has already commenced discussions with airlines, including United Nigeria and Air Peace, to ensure a seamless transition of diverted flights. In terms of infrastructure, the airport boasts a 3.7-kilometer-long runway, suitable for Boeing 748-800 series aircraft, as well as a well-calibrated instrument landing system and ICAO facilitation standards. The airport’s terminal building is designed to accommodate 400 passengers, with a departure hall and arrival hall capable of handling 400 and 600 passengers, respectively. To ensure passenger comfort, the airport is taking measures to enhance its facilities, including the provision of air conditioning, cooling systems, and buses to transport passengers to and from the airport. The airport is also offering incentives to airlines, including free office space and joint advertising initiatives. On the issue of security, Mr. Nwafor assured that the airport has a perimeter fence, as well as a team of 45 policemen and civil defense personnel, supplemented by 23 vigilante team members. The airport also has an agreement with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to provide aviation security and fire and rescue services. The airport, which was inaugurated in October 2021 and began commercial operations on December 7, 2021, has already handled over 450,000 passengers and 7,000 flights. With a staff strength of 180, plus an additional 70 FAAN personnel, the airport is poised to play a significant role in the region’s aviation industry. As the airport prepares to receive diverted flights, Mr. Nwafor expressed optimism about the opportunity, stating that the airport is “fully prepared” to handle the increased traffic.