Engineer Mahmoud Sani Ben-Tukur, Nigeria’s representative to the ICAO Council, was elected Chairperson of the ICAO AFI Plan today at the 27th steering committee meeting during the 9th AFI Aviation Week in Libreville. He is the 5th Chairperson to hold that role. This follows his recent elevation to 1st Vice President during the 230th ICAO Council meeting, marking a significant progression in his career.
The ICAO comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI Plan) enhances aviation safety across the African continent. It further aims to coordinate and implement regional initiatives and standards set by ICAO. Moreover, the AFI Plan aims to enhance safety oversight, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, and capacity building in African aviation. It fosters collaboration among African states to align and elevate aviation safety standards internationally. This promotes safer skies and sustainable sector growth.
Furthermore, it certifies aerodromes used for international operations, implementing State Safety Programs: Enhancing the implementation of State Safety Programs.
It also supports regional safety oversight organizations (RSOOs) and regional accident investigation agencies (RAIOs) by way of strengthening and integration of RSOOs/RAIOs for effective and sustainable functioning. The AFI Plan further assist States in long-term planning, especially with regard to infrastructure development.
ICAO established the AFI Plan in 2007 as an intervention program to enhance aviation safety in Africa.
Ben Tukur’s election add this responsibility to him. Engineer Tukur, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and member of RAeS and IET in the UK, brings 28 years of aviation experience. He has worked as an aircraft maintenance engineer, instructor, and aviation safety inspector in government and private sectors.
He earned his regulatory expertise, serving as General Manager (Airworthiness Standards) at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and at Aero Contractors Airlines.
