By Gami Tadanyigbe
In compliance with ICAO Annex 19 guidelines, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, officially inaugurated the National Executive Safety Council (NESC) on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Myself and other stakeholders in the aviation sector were appointed as members of the council.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Keyamo outlined the terms of reference for the council members. The NESC is mandated to convene quarterly, or as needed for emergencies, to ensure the continual relevance and appropriateness of Nigeria’s State Safety Programme (SSP).
The council’s responsibilities include endorsing priorities, allocating resources to enhance safety performance based on risk assessment, and providing strategic direction to the Safety Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC). Additionally, it will oversee the development, review, and decision-making processes related to safety policies, indicators, enforcement policies, and more.
Furthermore, the NESC is tasked with monitoring safety performance, assessing aggregate risk within the aviation industry, identifying emerging safety risks, and evaluating the effectiveness of safety oversight of regulated organizations and personnel.
Comprising key stakeholders from various aviation sectors, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NSIA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), and technical advisors, the NESC will ensure a coordinated approach to safety management processes. The SSP Coordinator will serve as the National Executive Safety Committee Secretary.
The inauguration of the National Executive Safety Council underscores the commitment of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to enhancing safety standards and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria’s airspace.