Aviation safety regulations: NCAA moves to implement ICAO

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has moved to implement the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, State Safety Programme, SSP, to strengthen aviation safety regulations in the country.

The Director General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, speaking at the ongoing stakeholders' engagement meeting organized by the Authority in Abuja, assured that the implementation of the SSP would enhance aviation safety in Nigeria.

He said, “We have been going through this process for a long time. We are trying to develop the document; it is a process, and it is part of the implementation plan.”

Represented by the Director of Special Duties, Horatius Egua, the DG explained that the essence of the SSP is to bridge certain gaps to improve safety in the aviation industry.

The representative of ICAO, Mrs. Sonia Freitas, in her address, stated that stakeholders' engagement is crucial for the successful implementation of the mission.

She thanked the stakeholders for their presence, saying that while the process may seem challenging at first, the end result will significantly improve aviation safety in Nigeria and across Africa.

The State Safety Programme (SSP) is an integrated set of regulations and activities aimed at improving safety in civil aviation. It is required by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and is tailored to each member state.

The SSP ensures the effectiveness of safety performance elements and addresses identified aviation safety risks.

As part of the process to develop the SSP for Nigeria, the NCAA is hosting the ICAO-West and Central Africa (WACAF) Regional Office of the African and Indian Ocean (AFI) Region Plan-State Safety Programme (SSP) Assistance Mission to Nigeria.