A former Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, has tasked the Federal Government to prioritise staff training as a means to sustain safety in the aviation sector.
Dr Demuren, who was DG of the NCAA from 2005 to 2013, achieved US FAA Category One status for Nigeria because of the quality of regulation and aviation safety in place.
He explained that the achievements recorded when he was DG would not have been possible without the training and retraining of staff.
Speaking at the NCAA @25 Gala and Awards Night at the weekend in Abuja, Dr Demuren, who spoke on behalf of all the past DGs, commended the current NCAA DG, Capt. Chris Najomo, for also prioritising the security and safety of the aviation industry.
“Let me give you one word – human capacity is critical. Aviation is changing; technology is changing everywhere. What we were doing before is not what we are doing now. Don’t look at anybody.
“Training and continuous training is very important. Without that, you cannot achieve anything. Foreign training costs a lot of money, not just in estacodes and tickets but time too. You must continue to do it. If you continue to do it, Hon. Minister, you will have safer skies,” he stated.
Responding, the Minister of Aviation Aerospace Development, Bar. Festus Keyamo, SAN, agreed with Dr Demuren and assured that the ministry would not deprive staff of their requisite training.
He also disclosed that he has obtained relevant approvals from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the need for NCAA staff to be trained abroad in line with global best practices.
“As we look to the future, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development remains committed to supporting initiatives that will further elevate our aviation sector and ensure that infrastructure and transportation are enhanced as enablers of growth in line with Priority 5 (five) of the Presidential Priorities,” he stated.
On his part, the DGCA Capt. Chris Najomo said the NCAA is proud of its previous achievements, even as he thanked those who have made 25 years of robust civil aviation regulation in Nigeria successful.
“Tonight, we honour not just our past but also our future, celebrating the milestones, redefining our industry and the people who have propelled us for that,” he said.
He further noted that the NCAA’s journey over the last 25 years has been one of excellence and unwavering commitment to the highest standards and innovation, adding that it has been made possible by tireless commitments from the past Director-Generals and management teams, support of service providers, aviation associations, our leaders, credible press, articulate unions, and the entire NCAA staff.
He said their collective contributions have lifted the NCAA to its current status as a leader in global innovation, safety, and oversight.
The highpoint of the event was the award to deserving staff, past DGs, and others who have contributed to some milestones achieved by the NCAA.
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