NCAA to save FX with local trainings for aviation professionals 

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has assured that it will prioritise and invest in training locally in a bid to reduce capital flight and boost the sector’s rating in general.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ workshop on Managing Approved Organisations’ Compliance With the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) on Monday Adoyie Sunnie, GM Directorate of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards (DOLTS) and Head Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) Inspectorate said the key challenge for the NCAA has been to attract international participants to the ATOs in Nigeria.

Sunnie said a lot of Nigerians are travelling abroad for different forms of training when ordinarily the capacity is in out here in Nigeria. He also decried the number of pilots and engineers who travel abroad for pilot and maintenance courses.

He noted that the workshop put together by the NCAA analyses the importance and role of the appropriate organisations in the development of the system in Nigeria.

“Having experienced within the past 15 to 10 years in having a general structure system to certify and approve key organization line and international best practices, the CAA at this workshop has a repertoire of records and data that will speak to the importance of the CAA; including our current practices and where there are gaps, we are gathered here to see how we can fill those gaps.

“The topic for this workshop was to come together to address these key areas where the NCAA needs to collaborate with the industry to improve the system going forward,” he explained. He said the workshop will be looking at key areas and papers that focus on the regulatory structure set up to address key functions of capacity development to meet global best practices.

“Because as signature to the Convention, we have obligations, obligations not only to issue licenses, or grant approvals, but to ensure that safety oversight activities are performed to the standard required. So, we need to look at this because the approval and certification of approving organisations is an embodiment of Annex 1 of the Chicago,” Sunnie said.

Chris Najomo, Director General, of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said  ATOs are the foundation upon which well-trained professionals who ensure the safety and efficiency of the aviation operations are built.

“The Industry, aviation professionals, and ultimately, the travelling public depend on the rigorous training and compliance measures that we establish together. “Today, we face significant challenges in maintaining high standards of quality and compliance within our training organizations. Rapid advancements in technology, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the increasing complexity of aviation operations necessitate a proactive and collaborative approach,” Najomo said.

Najomo who was represented by Hyelni Bassi, General Manager, Licensing, NCAA, said the workshop is an opportunity to share insights, discuss best practices, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability in our training programs.

“Throughout our sessions, we will explore various aspects of compliance management, including regulatory requirements, evaluation methodologies, and mechanisms for continuous improvement.

“Your participation today is vital. Each of you brings unique perspectives and expertise that will enrich our discussions. I encourage you to engage openly, ask questions, and share your experiences,” he told the professionals at the training.