Aviation safety is a critical issue in Nigeria’s air transport sector, affecting not only passenger confidence but also economic growth and global perception. While there have been notable advancements, challenges, ranging from air traffic safety and aircraft maintenance to regulatory compliance.
To shed light on these issues and explore possible solutions, JOHN BENJAMIN of The Graphic sought the expert opinion of Engr. Ayegba David Haruna, an aviation safety expert with over two decades of experience in the field. His insights provide a clear perspective on the current state of Nigeria’s aviation safety and the necessary steps toward improvement.
THE STATE OF AVIATION SAFETY IN NIGERIA
Nigeria’s aviation sector has witnessed notable advancements in recent years, yet ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures continue to present opportunities for improvement. Despite the efforts of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and industry stakeholders, concerns remain regarding air traffic safety, aircraft maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
Recent incidents, including emergency landings, technical issues, and runway incursions, underscore the need for continuous improvements in safety protocols. Although strict safety regulations exist, ensuring consistent adherence remains a key priority. Factors such as fleet modernization, improved air traffic control, and enhanced training programs are critical for sustaining high safety standards.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has outlined stringent safety benchmarks, and while Nigeria continues to make strides in meeting these standards, further investments in training, technology, and oversight mechanisms will strengthen compliance efforts.
The key question remains: How can Nigeria’s aviation sector further align with international best practices to ensure sustainable improvements in safety?
Introducing Aviation Safety Expert Engr. Ayegba David Haruna
In addressing these challenges, industry professionals have played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s aviation safety framework. Engr. Ayegba David Haruna is one such dedicated aviation safety expert, with 21 years of experience in safety oversight, certification, and regulatory compliance.
Engr. Haruna has held key roles in aviation safety, including serving as an Air Navigation Safety Inspector and Aviation Safety Inspector with the NCAA, a Quality Control Inspector and later Quality Assurance Engineer at Caverton Helicopters Ltd, and a Quality and Safety Manager at Green Africa Airways, where he led initiatives to enhance operational safety and regulatory compliance.
His extensive experience in safety audits, quality assurance, and airworthiness inspections has contributed to enhancing Nigeria’s aviation standards. Notably, he was instrumental in implementing Nigeria’s Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) procedures, a significant milestone in optimizing airspace efficiency and safety. His expertise in crisis management, risk assessment, and regulatory enforcement continues to position him as a key advocate for strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry.
EXPERT OPINION: STRENGTHENING AVIATION SAFETY IN NIGERIA
Speaking on the current state of aviation safety in Nigeria, Engr. Haruna highlights several key areas for improvement:
- Enhancing Regulatory Compliance and Oversight
“Regulatory agencies must continue shifting from reactive enforcement to a proactive approach in safety compliance. Strengthening oversight mechanisms, conducting frequent audits, and ensuring stricter enforcement of regulations will foster a more accountable industry.”
- Investment in Training and Technology
“Aviation safety is directly linked to the competence of personnel. Investing in continuous training for pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance crews is essential. Additionally, integrating predictive maintenance technologies and real-time safety monitoring can help prevent mechanical failures before they occur.”
- Modernizing Infrastructure and Air Traffic Management
“Nigeria must continue modernizing its air traffic control infrastructure to accommodate increasing air travel demands. Implementing advanced radar systems, improving communication networks, and upgrading airport facilities will enhance operational efficiency and reduce airspace congestion.”
- Strengthening Airline Safety Culture
“Safety should not be viewed as a regulatory requirement alone but as a fundamental operational priority. Airlines must cultivate a strong safety culture by prioritizing preemptive risk assessments, continuous improvement, and rigorous compliance with global safety standards.”
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
According to Engr. Haruna,
“Enhancing aviation safety goes beyond accident prevention—it also strengthens investor confidence and global airline partnerships. A well-regulated and safer aviation sector attracts foreign investments, supports tourism, and fosters economic growth.”
By aligning with ICAO safety standards, Nigeria enhances its international reputation, which in turn encourages more airlines to expand operations within the country. Additionally, safer air travel contributes to increased passenger confidence, further stimulating the aviation industry’s expansion.
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE AVIATION SAFETY
To keep pace with global advancements, Nigeria must harness emerging aviation technologies.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance risk prediction by allowing safety monitoring systems to detect operational risks before they escalate into major incidents. Automation in air traffic control will help manage increasing flight volumes more efficiently, and predictive maintenance will utilize IoT sensors to enable real-time aircraft health monitoring, significantly reducing the risk of in-flight failures.”
These innovations, according to Engr. Haruna, will be crucial in transforming Nigeria’s aviation safety landscape.
CONCLUSION: A ROADMAP FOR A SAFER AVIATION FUTURE
Engr. Haruna remains optimistic about Nigeria’s ability to elevate its aviation safety standards to meet global benchmarks.
“We have the potential to make Nigeria a leader in African aviation safety, but achieving this requires commitment, collaboration, and strategic investments. With the right approach, we can build a safer, more efficient aviation sector that not only meets but exceeds international standards.”
As Nigeria continues its journey towards aviation excellence, experts like Engr. Ayegba David Haruna played a critical role in ensuring that safety remains a top priority. His expertise and forward-thinking vision provides a clear roadmap for sustainable improvements, shaping the future of aviation safety in Nigeria.
