Over 100 Nigerian Youths to Benefit from NCAA’S Upskilling Programme
…Backed by President Tinubu, the initiative is aimed at building a future-ready aviation workforce
In a bold step towards empowering young Nigerians and addressing talent gaps in the aviation sector, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP), targeting youths from airport communities across five major cities – Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Kano.
The initiative, flagged off at the NCAA Annex in Lagos, is in line with the Federal Government’s National Youth Development Directive and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s directive for all aviation agencies to key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approved framework for nationwide youth empowerment.
Speaking at the launch, Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, stated that over 100 young Nigerians had already been selected to participate in the multidisciplinary programme aimed at equipping them with relevant digital and technical aviation skills.
“We are here to introduce a modest but important initiative – the Aviation Upskilling Development Programme (AUDP),” Najomo said. “But more importantly, we are here to speak honestly and constructively about the real opportunities that exist in aviation and how young graduates can position themselves to take advantage of them.”
He emphasised that the AUDP is not a quick fix but a growing platform to help participants navigate pathways into aviation through training in vital tools such as Microsoft Excel, GIS, safety reporting applications, and data visualisation platforms.
“To every young person listening to me today: aviation is open to you, but you must be ready to learn, to work, and to lead. The journey may not be easy, but it is worth it,” Najomo added.
According to the DG, the key objectives of the AUDP include bridging the skills gap in the industry, creating job opportunities, encouraging international collaboration, and promoting environmentally sustainable aviation practices.
The programme aims to provide trainees with a solid foundation in global standards and best practices, including environmental regulations, renewable energy sources, and green technologies.
Target participants include recent graduates, undergraduates, fresh school leavers, women, underrepresented groups in aviation, and current industry workers seeking to enhance their professional skills.
Director of Human Resources and Administration at NCAA, Dr Anastasia Gbem, described the AUDP as a crucial step towards addressing challenges plaguing the sector.
“This initiative will empower young Nigerians with the skills, knowledge, and guidance they need to succeed in the aviation industry. It is designed to combat talent shortages, regional disparities, and gender imbalances in the sector,” she said.
She expressed confidence that the programme would significantly contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry by reducing unemployment, creating opportunities, and enhancing the country’s reputation on the global stage.
Also speaking at the event, NCAA Regional Manager for the South West, Mrs Olubukola Aduragbemi Teriba, highlighted the regulator’s commitment to shaping a globally competitive and inclusive aviation sector.
“The NCAA is not only a custodian of safety, security and economic oversight,” she said, “but duty-bound to ensure inclusivity, access to opportunities, and a sustainable future workforce. By equipping young Nigerians with specialised technical knowledge, we are preparing them to confidently take up a wide array of jobs in the aviation industry.”
As Nigeria continues to grapple with youth unemployment and skill shortages in critical sectors, the NCAA’s AUDP initiative stands out as a beacon of hope and a strategic investment in the country’s aviation future.
