Former Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, has emphasized the need for continuous staff training to ensure aviation safety in Nigeria. Speaking at the NCAA @25 Gala and Award Night on Saturday, Demuren urged the federal government to sustain training initiatives for NCAA personnel to maintain high safety standards.
Dr. Demuren, who led the NCAA from 2005 to 2013, played a pivotal role in securing the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category One status for Nigeria—a certification that enables Nigerian airlines to operate flights to the United States and engage in code-share agreements with U.S. carriers. He credited this achievement to the rigorous training and retraining of NCAA staff.
Highlighting the rapid advancements in aviation technology, Demuren stressed that human capacity development is critical for keeping up with global trends. “Aviation is changing, technology is evolving. What we did years ago is not what we are doing now. Training and continuous training are vital. Without it, you can’t achieve anything,” he stated.
The event, themed “Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority: Sustaining Safer Skies,” also saw commendations from Demuren to the current NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, for maintaining aviation security and safety standards.
In response, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN), assured that the ministry remains committed to staff training. He confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved overseas training programs for NCAA staff to align with global best practices.
“As we look ahead, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance infrastructure and transportation as key enablers of growth, in line with Priority Five of the Presidential Priorities,” Keyamo stated.
NCAA DG Capt. Chris Najomo expressed pride in the agency’s accomplishments over the past 25 years. He acknowledged the contributions of past director-generals, industry stakeholders, unions, and media professionals in shaping Nigeria’s aviation sector into a global leader in innovation, safety, and regulatory oversight.
“Tonight, we celebrate not just our past but also our future, recognizing milestones and those who have propelled us forward,” Najomo said.
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding NCAA staff, past director-generals, and individuals who have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s aviation milestones.
