In a significant stride towards aviation safety enhancement, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has unveiled the National Aviation Safety Reporting System, encompassing both mandatory and voluntary reporting. The announcement was made through an All Operators Letter (AOL) with reference NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/341, dated August 25, 2025. The letter, bearing the personal signature of the director-general of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu was directed at aviation stakeholders and the general public.
This development is an outcome of the NCAA’s establishment of a robust Safety Data Collection and Reporting System (SDCPS) known as SMS Pro (www.ncaasms.com). The implementation of SMS Pro aligns Nigeria with full compliance with the standards and recommended practices (SARPs) set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
SMS Pro is a user-friendly web-based software that mirrors the ICAO-recommended framework for safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance and safety promotion. The system enables seamless integration across the aviation industry, providing each service provider with customised credentials issued by the authority to submit reports into the system.
The deployment of the National Aviation Safety Reporting System stems from the mandates outlined in Annex 19 to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Act 2022. These mandates emphasise the establishment of a Safety Data Collection and Processing System (SDCPS), encompassing both mandatory and voluntary safety reporting systems.
Nuhu highlighted the significance of these mandates, stating, “State authorities responsible for the implementation of the SSP should have access to the SDCPS to support their safety responsibilities”. This proactive approach towards safety falls in line with the principle of achieving an acceptable level of safety in civil aviation, as stated in Section 62(1) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022.
The new system ushers in a series of actions which include:
- Service Providers’ Focal Points. Certificated service providers are required to provide their respective focal points’ details (email and phone numbers) to the NCAA for the submission of mandatory reports. These details are to be sent to godwin.balang@ncaa.gov.ng (+2348056163255) and ini.udofia@ncaa.gov.ng (+2348057698698).
- Orientation. Focal points are expected to attend an orientation on the reporting modalities, with a Zoom invite set to be provided shortly.
- Immediate Implementation. Once access to the reporting system is granted, all service providers must begin using the system immediately. As of September 1, 2023, mandatory reports submitted through the system become mandatory, although paper reports may still be accepted.
- Awareness Campaign. Focal persons are mandated to conduct an awareness campaign within their organizations and submit documented evidence of the campaign to the Authority by October 1, 2023, through the safety reporting handle.
- Customised Handles. Once customised handles for mandatory reports are provided, focal persons can share the link with relevant personnel within their organisations. This will facilitate the automatic classification of reports under the applicable service provider in the reporting system.
- Shared Accessibility. The NCAA and the NSIB (Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau) will have access to all submitted reports. They will receive prompt email alerts upon report submission, including those from the public. Both agencies will conduct a preliminary risk assessment for each report to determine the appropriate agency for further handling.
The introduction of the National Aviation Safety Reporting System marks a significant step towards proactive aviation safety management, further solidifying Nigeria’s commitment to international safety standards and practices.
This notification is applicable to all aviation stakeholders and the general public.
