NCAA Partners with IATA to Enhance Staff Training, Aviation Standards

NCAA Partners with IATA to Enhance Staff Training, Aviation Standards
Acting Director-General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo (right) with IATA's Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi during a meeting at the NCAA headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced its commitment to partner with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to improve the training and retraining of its workforce. 

In a statement, the agency stated that this strategic collaboration aims to strengthen Nigeria’s civil aviation sector by aligning with global standards.

This was revealed by the Acting Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, during a high-level meeting held at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja. 

The meeting, which took place on Monday, 14th October 2024, brought together key officials, including IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Mr. Kamil H. Al-Awadhi.

Capt. Najomo emphasised the importance of fulfilling mandatory regulatory requirements as a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), particularly in the areas of cost recovery, ticket pricing, and human resource management. 

He noted that the partnership would facilitate access to crucial training modules from both IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring that the NCAA staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to keep pace with global aviation standards.

Among the top priorities discussed were strategies to streamline operational costs while maintaining compliance with international regulations. 

This partnership, Najomo explained, is expected to enhance the NCAA’s efficiency, particularly in meeting safety standards and improving service delivery within the aviation sector.

Mr. Al-Awadhi commended the NCAA’s forward-thinking approach, highlighting the value of collaboration in driving the future of aviation in Africa and the Middle East. 

He reaffirmed IATA’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving its aviation goals, particularly through capacity-building initiatives.

The partnership is set to commence in the coming months, with a detailed roadmap expected to outline the specific training programmes and areas of focus. 

This move is seen as a crucial step towards improving Nigeria’s standing within the global aviation industry, enhancing both regulatory practices and workforce competence.

Tersoo Agber

Journalist, Travel enthusiast, PR consultant, Content manager/editor, Online publisher.