Safety Engineers Honour NCAA Boss

For ensuring safety standards in the aviation industry, the Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, has bagged an Honorary Fellowship of the prestigious Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE).

A statement from the NCAA obtained at the weekend, revealed that the DG has over 44 years of experience as an aviator, with impeccable safety credentials, and that two other staff of the  Authority were also conferred with the Fellowship of the Institution.

They are: Engr. Ini Udofia, a Technical Assistant; and Engr. Dr. Iteke C. Ifeanyi, who is the General Manager, Air Operator Certification and Surveillance.

According to the statement, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE), Engr. Oluseun Faluyi (FNSE) conferred the Fellowships on behalf of the Institution at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

Shortly before the conferment of the Fellowship, the Chairman noted that the institution recognized that many regulators, such as the NCAA, have engineers who are engaged in ensuring public safety, which is a cardinal responsibility of any responsible government, the release highlighted.

“That is why we believe that you should be part of this professional circle of trust, where knowledge-sharing and technical expertise drive continuous improvement in safety standards.

“We see an opportunity for greater collaboration between the NCAA and NiSafetyE”, he said.

In his response, Najomo said the aviation industry is where safety is paramount, adding that the unique roles of safety engineers, and indeed other safety professionals such as pilots, air traffic controllers and occupational safety & health personnel cannot be overemphasized.

“From designing safer systems and structures to implementing robust safety management practices, indeed safety engineering is the backbone of aviation safety.

“It is through strategic collaboration, continuous innovation, and unwavering commitment to safety standards that we can achieve safer skies for all” he noted.

He said he recognized the pivotal role that the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers can play in advancing safety engineering practices.

The NCAA boss also said he sees an excellent opportunity for synergy and deeper collaboration between his agency and the Institution.

“Together, we can enhance our safety frameworks, share best practices, and develop capacity-building programmes that empower the next generation of safety professionals”, he affirmed.

Corlins Walter