The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reiterated its unwavering dedication to the complete implementation of the State Safety Programme (SSP) upon its finalization. This critical program, mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), provides a structured framework of regulations and activities meticulously designed to bolster aviation safety standards within individual member states. The SSP’s tailored approach ensures that safety measures are effective and address specific risks inherent in each country’s aviation operations. This renewed commitment follows a recent assistance mission held at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja from March 24th to 28th, 2025, which focused on reviewing Nigeria’s progress and providing expert guidance on achieving full SSP implementation.
Nigeria has already made significant strides in establishing the SSP, demonstrating a proactive approach to enhancing aviation safety within its borders. The country has already published safety management regulations as part of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), developed a draft SSP manual, and formulated a draft National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP). Further demonstrating their commitment to the program, Nigeria has also created several guidance documents for both industry stakeholders and CAA inspectors, focusing on the assessment and continuous surveillance of service providers’ Safety Management Systems (SMS). This comprehensive approach highlights Nigeria’s dedication to building a robust safety culture within its aviation sector.
The recent assistance mission played a crucial role in evaluating Nigeria’s progress and identifying areas for improvement. Sonia Freitas, the Regional Officer for Safety Implementation at the ICAO West and Central Africa Office, conducted a thorough review of Nigeria’s Gap Analysis and SSP Implementation Plan. This review assessed the country’s compliance with ICAO Annex 19, the international standard for safety management. Freitas provided invaluable guidance to the NCAA and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) outlining the necessary steps for complete SSP implementation, helping to bridge the gap between current practices and international best practices.
Jailza Sylvia, Executive Director of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), further contributed to the mission by offering expert assistance on the procedural documentation required for effective SSP implementation. This collaborative effort ensures that Nigeria’s SSP aligns with regional best practices and benefits from the shared expertise within the African aviation community. The combined support from ICAO and BAGAIA underscores the importance of international cooperation in enhancing aviation safety and promoting a unified approach to risk management.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also pledged its full support for the SSP implementation, recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts in strengthening aviation safety. Capt. Alex Badeh Jr, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the NSIB, emphasized the significance of regional collaboration in addressing the complex challenges faced by the aviation industry. He assured stakeholders that the NSIB, working closely with the NCAA, would diligently address the findings and recommendations stemming from the assistance mission, reinforcing the commitment to continuous improvement within the Nigerian aviation sector.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s commitment to the full implementation of the State Safety Programme signifies a proactive approach to enhancing aviation safety and aligning its practices with international standards. The collaborative efforts between the NCAA, NSIB, ICAO, and BAGAIA demonstrate the importance of partnerships in addressing the complex challenges of the aviation industry. The progress made in developing the necessary regulations, manuals, and guidance documents, coupled with the expert assistance received during the recent mission, positions Nigeria to significantly strengthen its aviation safety framework and ensure the continued safety and reliability of its air transport system. The commitment to addressing the identified gaps and implementing the recommendations will further enhance Nigeria’s position as a leader in aviation safety within the region.
