The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed its commitment to implementing the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) State Safety Programme (SSP) in Nigeria.
Speaking at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting on SSP implementation in Abuja, the Director-General of NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo, described the SSP as an integrated set of regulations and activities aimed at improving safety in civil aviation.
“It is required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and is unique to each member state. The SSP ensures the effectiveness of safety performance elements and addresses identified aviation safety risks.
“Nigeria has initiated its SSP processes and has made tremendous progress towards full implementation. Nigeria has published the safety management regulations in Part 20 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), developed the draft document for the SSP manual, the draft of its National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP), and several guidance materials for both the industry and CAA inspectors on the assessment and continuing surveillance of service providers’ Safety Management Systems (SMS).”
The Director-General acknowledged that the Regional Officer Safety Implementation for West and Central African (WACAF) Office, Ms Sonia Freitas, had reviewed the Gap Analysis and SSP Implementation Plan presented by Nigeria regarding its compliance with the state safety requirements as detailed in Annex 19. She also provided further guidance to both the NCAA and NSIB on the activities required to ensure full implementation of the SSP.
Najomo noted that the Executive Director of BAGASOO, Ms Jailza Sylvia, had also assisted in recommending procedures to be included in certain documentation needed to ensure SSP implementation.
Also present at the event, the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt Alex Badeh Jr, highlighted that the assistance mission underscores the regional commitment and increased resolve to enhance aviation safety across the African continent.
“This partnership is a testament to the power of collective efforts in addressing the complex challenges of our industry. The NSIB, in close collaboration with the NCAA, will diligently address the findings and recommendations arising from this mission,” he assured.
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