The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Shuaibu Nuhu has called for team spirit for the sustainability of aviation in Nigeria.
The DGCA gave this charge at the second edition of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference (FNAC '23) with the theme “Sustainability of The Aviation Industry in Nigeria” held at International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Captain Musa, while identifying social, environmental and economic factors as three pillars of sustainability, he disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) was under review and when completed, would provide a strategic vision for the industry.
He added that NCAA had developed an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber security policy which every aviation agency was required to emulate.
The DGCA also used the opportunity to correct an erroneous notion held in certain quarters. that the regulatory body is police of the aviation industry. In contrast, he stated that NCAA and other agencies in the entire aviation ecosystem are partners in progress which need to work together for the growth of the industry.
To enhance further industry collaboration and cohesion, Captain announced that from next quarter, there will be a quarterly industry meeting irrespective of whether or not there is an issue. According to him, the forum would enable stakeholders discuss and work together in the overall interest of the industry.
In the opening address of the chief host and former Managing Director of FAAN, Capt. Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu, he stated that the concept “Sustainability” used in this year's theme connotes progress, endurance, stability, capacity and consistency.
He identified three models of sustainability which are economic viability, environmental protection and social equity, adding that it can only be achieved through collaboration, control, communication and commitment.
The former FAAN Managing Director, who identified enforcement as the topmost challenge in the industry however called for attitudinal change among stakeholders.
“The biggest challenge in the industry is enforcement of compliance. The regulations to achieve sustainability are already there but there was need for attitudinal change and enforcement,” Capt. Yadudu said.
Also speaking at the panel session, the former Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Lawrence Matthew Pwajok said the agency's investment in navigational and surveillance equipment across Nigerian airspace is part of the effort to sustain the industry.
Mr. Pwajok noted that doing this would not only enhance safety but also reduce airlines' cost of operations culminating in sustainability.