Aviation regulator decries inadequate training

The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, says the Nigerian aviation industry is currently faced with a lack of standard and quality compliance in different training organisations, raising fears about the quality of professionals.

The NCAA boss raised the alarm on Monday in Lagos at the opening of a three-day workshop on managing approved training organisations in compliance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

Najomo, who was represented by General Manager, Licensing, NCAA, Hyelni Bassi, said ATOs play crucial roles in the aviation ecosystem, stating that the air transport sector, its professionals, and the travelling public depend on the level of training and compliance measures trainers and trainees underwent before the discharge of their duties.

Bassi urged approved training organisers to comply with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations while training personnel, as this determines the quality of the aviation industry Nigeria operates.

His words: “The industry, aviation professionals, and ultimately, the travelling public depend on the rigorous training and compliance measures that we establish together. These organisations are the foundation upon which we build well-trained professionals who ensure the safety and efficiency of our aviation operations.

“Today, we face significant challenges in maintaining high standards of quality and compliance within our training organisations. Rapid advancements in technology, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the increasing complexity of aviation operations necessitate a proactive and collaborative approach.

“This workshop is an opportunity for stakeholders to share insights, discuss best practices, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability in their training programmes as they are expected to explore various aspects of compliance management, including regulatory requirements, evaluation methodologies, and mechanisms for continuous improvement.

“Together, let us work diligently to ensure that our approved training organisations not only meet but exceed the expectations set forth by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.”

Taking stakeholders through the ATO regulatory standards, the Head of ATO Inspectorate, Adoyi Sunnie, said the workshop was organised based on the information at the disposal of the NCAA, adding that most of the applications received do not comply with the requirements of the regulations, lamenting the state of some trainers’ facilities, equipment, training devices, and other things.

He said, “As the CAA and also the applicants, we have a responsibility to do what is right; the applicants must comply with regulations. They must have adequate facilities and a conducive working environment appropriate for the task to be performed; there must be availability of information, technical data, equipment, training devices, and materials to conduct the proposed or approved courses.

“Others are the adequacy of key management and instructional personnel to plan, perform, and supervise the training to be conducted; the development and implementation of appropriate policies, procedures, and standards through their manuals; and the establishment and implementation of an effective quality and safety management system, among others.

“But we are leveraging technology to get this job done as quickly as possible without compromising standards.”