The Director-General, Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Chris Najomo has declared the newly established Flight Data Centre of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as a landmark achievement.
He described the project as a bold declaration of Nigeria’s commitment to aviation safety and regulatory excellence.
Captain Najomo made the statement while opening a one-day training workshop for frontline managers at NCAA headquarters in Abuja.
He stressed that the centre is not just an infrastructure project, but a key part of NCAA’s vision to lead global aviation oversight.
DGCA Links Flight Data Centre to Safety
The DGCA emphasised that the importance of the Flight Data Centre was evident as it was personally commissioned by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN.
“This is more than a training programme, it is an investment in our collective future and a clear statement of our commitment to excellence,” Najomo said.
The DGCA explained that the centre will enable proactive flight data collection, analysis, and identification of safety deficiencies before they escalate into serious incidents or accidents.
From Compliance-Based to Performance-Based Oversight
Captain Najomo noted the urgent need for NCAA to transition from compliance-based oversight to performance-based regulation.
He described the Flight Data Centre as a vital tool to shift Nigeria’s aviation safety framework from being reactive to becoming proactive and predictive.
The DGCA highlighted that aviation safety requires not just regulations but robust systems to detect risks early. According to him, the Flight Data Centre offers that foundation.
Commendation for Dedication
The DGCA also praised the Director of Special Duties, Mr. Horatius Egua, and his team for their dedication in reviving the long-stalled project. Mr. Egua recalled that the initiative had been in limbo since 2016 but became a reality under Najomo’s leadership.
While delivering his goodwill message, Mr. Egua stressed that the facility will enhance NCAA’s Safety Management System (SMS) capacity, while also offering hands-on training to frontline managers.
He commended the DGCA for supporting the training programme, which equips participants with the skills needed to manage the centre effectively.
Key Benefits of the Flight Data Centre
The NCAA explained that the Flight Data Centre offers wide-ranging benefits that will transform aviation safety management in Nigeria.
One of the most critical gains is the enhancement of safety oversight, as regulators can now monitor aircraft operations with real-time precision and respond to emerging risks more effectively.
In addition, the centre provides a more robust platform for regulatory compliance monitoring.
Airlines and operators will be guided not only by mandatory checks but also by data-driven evaluations that help identify gaps before they become safety threats.
This ensures stricter adherence to international standards and strengthens the overall credibility of Nigeria’s aviation system.
The centre will also strengthen incident investigation capacity. By analysing digital flight data, investigators can reconstruct events with greater accuracy, making it easier to pinpoint causal factors and recommend corrective actions.
This level of technical depth improves both the quality and timeliness of safety investigations.
Another benefit is the ability to track operational patterns and performance. By observing recurring trends in aircraft handling, pilot responses, and system behaviour, the NCAA can detect subtle warning signs that may otherwise be overlooked. This early detection is critical to preventing incidents.
Equally important is the use of trend analysis to support risk management.
The DGCA stressed that aviation safety must evolve from reactive oversight to predictive systems that anticipate risks.
Through continuous data analysis, the NCAA can develop predictive models that address vulnerabilities before they escalate into emergencies.
The centre will also foster increased stakeholder collaboration. Data insights can be shared with airlines, service providers, and international partners, creating a collective safety culture.
This collaborative approach ensures that all industry players contribute to safety improvements rather than working in silos.
Furthermore, the Flight Data Centre supports both routine monitoring and investigative analysis of flight data. Routine checks maintain operational discipline, while deeper investigations provide clarity in complex cases. Together, these processes create a comprehensive safety net across the aviation sector.
Another benefit highlighted by the Authority is cost efficiency. By preventing incidents through early detection and predictive oversight, the aviation industry saves on potential losses, insurance claims, and costly disruptions.
The system also promotes more efficient aircraft utilisation, which supports the financial sustainability of operators.
Finally, the centre enhances Nigeria’s global credibility. With this facility, NCAA demonstrates alignment with international aviation standards, particularly those set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
This positions Nigeria as a serious player in global aviation and reassures international partners, investors, and travellers of the country’s strong commitment to safety.
Stakeholders Acknowledge Significance
The event attracted dignitaries from across the aviation ecosystem. Among those in attendance were the Executive Director of the Banjul Accord Group Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO), representatives of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), APS facilitators, and industry professionals.
Their presence underscored the international importance of the Flight Data Centre. Stakeholders agreed that the initiative demonstrates NCAA’s determination to strengthen aviation safety and regulatory leadership.
DGCA Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment
Captain Najomo concluded by restating NCAA’s long-term vision of becoming one of the world’s leading civil aviation authorities.
He affirmed that the Flight Data Centre will be central to this ambition by ensuring evidence-driven oversight and improving Nigeria’s compliance with international aviation standards.
“The Flight Data Centre is a declaration of our collective commitment to safety, efficiency, and credibility,” the DGCA said. “This is about the future of Nigeria’s aviation.”
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