NCAA deepens aviation safety with full SSP implementation – NCAA

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of the State Safety Programme once finalised.

This announcement was made by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, in a statement.

The SSP is a structured framework of regulations and activities designed to enhance aviation safety. Mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, it is tailored to each member state to ensure the effectiveness of safety measures and address potential risks in aviation operations. The assistance mission, which ran from March 24 to 28, 2025, was held at the NCAA corporate headquarters in Abuja.

Najomo acknowledged the significant progress Nigeria has made in establishing the SSP and closing existing gaps in the draft document.

“Nigeria had initiated its SSP processes and had made tremendous progress towards full implementation. Nigeria had published the safety management regulations in Part 20 of the Nig. CARs, developed the draft document for the SSP manual, the draft of its National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP), and several guidance documents for both the industry and the CAA inspectors on the assessment and continuing surveillance of service providers’ SMS,” he stated.

The Regional Officer, Safety Implementation, West and Central Africa Office, Sonia Freitas, reviewed Nigeria’s Gap Analysis and SSP Implementation Plan, assessing compliance with ICAO Annex 19. She provided further guidance to the NCAA and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau on steps required for full implementation.

In addition, Executive Director of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency Jailza Sylvia provided assistance on procedural documentation necessary for the programme’s implementation.

Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr, emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in enhancing aviation safety.

“This partnership is a testament to the power of collective efforts in addressing the complex challenges of our industry. The NSIB, in close collaboration with the NCAA, will diligently address the findings and recommendations arising from this mission,” he assured.

SOURCE : PUNCH