Key aviation stakeholders gathered in Ikeja for a critical NCAA symposium. Focused on the Safe Skies Goal, the event addressed evolving threats, collaboration gaps, and urgent reforms. Transitioning from rhetoric to action, speakers emphasized vigilance, technology, and workforce competence.
NCAA Director General Captain Chris Najomo opened discussions. He called aviation a “global connectivity lifeline” but warned of cyber-attacks, terrorism, and drone risks. Highlighting four pillars, he prioritized vigilance, collaboration, technology, and compliance. “Training remains non-negotiable,” he stressed. Najomo urged stakeholders to adopt actionable solutions for ICAO standards alignment.
Furthermore, he linked vigilance to proactive threat identification. Collaboration, he noted, requires unified intelligence-sharing across agencies. For technology, he endorsed AI, biometrics, and cybersecurity tools. Compliance, he added, hinges on strict adherence to global benchmarks.
Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Managing Director Engineer Umar Farouk, represented by Rita Egbadon, outlined systemic challenges. Weak inter-agency synergy topped the list. Overlapping mandates and fragmented responses delay critical decisions, she explained. Outdated infrastructure, like obsolete screening systems, exacerbates vulnerabilities. Poor surveillance and inadequate fencing compound risks.
Additionally, Egbadon cited underpaid, undertrained staff as a liability. Low morale and skills gaps hinder performance, she noted. Recruitment of unqualified personnel into sensitive roles further weakens security. NAMA proposed a National Aviation Security Task Force to unify efforts. Funding modern tech, like biometric systems, was also prioritized.
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku praised NCAA’s leadership. She called for adaptive strategies amid evolving threats. “Steadfast commitment ensures safety without compromising efficiency,” she stated. Kuku emphasized ICAO Annex 17 compliance and stakeholder dialogue. Moreover, she linked passenger trust to rigorous security governance.
Pathfinders International Limited CEO Nkechi Onyenso echoed innovation calls. She reaffirmed her firm’s commitment to cutting-edge solutions. Workforce training and operational readiness programs remain focal points. Onyenso hailed NCAA’s visionary leadership, pledging ongoing collaboration for regional security leadership.
Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd (MMA2) Head of Aviation Security Monica Oguta shared practical insights. Proactive measures at MMA2 include enhanced access controls and CCTV integration. Personnel training and swift threat responses align with the *Safe Skies Goal*, she said. Oguta stressed inter-agency cooperation as vital for sustainable security.
The symposium concluded with consensus on urgent priorities. First, strengthening inter-agency collaboration through a centralized task force. Second, modernizing infrastructure via public-private funding. Third, prioritizing personnel welfare and competency. Fourth, enforcing merit-based recruitment aligned with ICAO standards.
Transitioning forward, stakeholders agreed on regular audits and simulations. These ensure preparedness for emerging threats like drone incursions. Investment in smart surveillance and biometrics will dominate 2026 budget discussions. Meanwhile, NCAA pledged stricter oversight of certification processes.
Consequently, the Safe Skies Goal hinges on sustained stakeholder unity. As Najomo noted, “Security is a journey, not a destination.” With Nigeria aiming for ICAO compliance, this symposium marks a pivotal step. Attendees departed with actionable blueprints, reaffirming their commitment to a safer aviation future.
