Former director-general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren has called on the Federal Government to prioritise continuous staff training, warning that neglecting this critical area could compromise aviation safety in the country.
Speaking at the NCAA @25 Gala and Award Night held over the weekend, Demuren, who led the NCAA from 2005 to 2013, emphasised that training and retraining were the foundation of Nigeria’s aviation success, including the country’s achievement of US FAA Category One status under his leadership.
US FAA ‘Category One’ status signifies that a country’s civil aviation authority meets the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards for safety, allowing its airlines to operate flights to the United States without restrictions. Nigeria attained this prestigious rating during Demuren’s tenure, a feat he attributed to consistent staff training and regulatory improvements.
“Aviation is changing. Technology is changing everywhere. What we were doing before isn’t what we are doing now,” Demuren said. “Human capacity is critical. Training and continuous training are very important. Without that, you can’t achieve anything.”
He urged the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to sustain this investment, stressing that foreign training, though expensive, is indispensable for keeping up with global safety standards.
“If you continue to do it, Hon. Minister, you will have safer skies,” he added.
In response, Keyamo acknowledged Demuren’s concerns and assured that the ministry remains committed to staff training.
He revealed that he had obtained presidential approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate foreign training for NCAA staff, aligning 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,” Keyamo said. “This aligns with Priority Five of the Presidential Priorities, which focuses on enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.”
The director-general of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo expressed pride in the agency’s achievements over the past 25 years, commending past leaders, industry stakeholders, unions and the press for their contributions.
“Tonight, we honour not just our past, but also our future, celebrating milestones, redefining our industry and appreciating the people who have propelled us forward,” he said.
Najomo highlighted NCAA’s journey of excellence, innovation, and commitment to the highest standards, attributing its success to the tireless efforts of past director generals, service providers, aviation associations and the entire NCAA staff.
“Our collective contributions have positioned NCAA as a global leader in innovation, safety and oversight,” he stated.
The high point of the event was the recognition of distinguished staff, past DGs and other key contributors who played pivotal roles in the NCAA’s success over the years.
With strong assurances from the federal government, industry leaders, and aviation stakeholders, the future of Nigeria’s civil aviation sector looks set for continued growth, safety and global competitiveness.
