The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority,NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo has introduced the National Operational Safety Committee,NOSC, a key body established to strengthen aviation safety management and improve operational performance across the country.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, marked a significant advancement in the implementation of
Represented by the Director of Air Worthiness Standards, Engr. Victor Goyea, Najomo urged members of the committee to treat their roles as a national duty and approach the assignment with the seriousness it demands, stressing that its work is vital to ensuring the safety of the flying public.
Najomo explained that the NCAA, as the custodian of the SSP in Nigeria, has adopted a structured, tier-based approach in partnership with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau,NSIB, to enhance the nation’s aviation safety oversight.
He stated that the formation of the NOSC aligns with the Federal Government’s five-point agenda for the aviation sector, with strong emphasis on strict safety compliance and improving Nigeria’s global safety rating under ICAO.
He noted that the NOSC serves as the second tier of the national safety management structure at the operational level.
The committee will function as an advisory body to the National Executive Safety Committee,NESC, providing a platform for stakeholders and the State Safety Programme Implementation Team to work together, identify safety gaps, and track the resolution of safety deficiencies arising from routine operations.
Najomo emphasised that meaningful safety achievements can only be attained when industry players collaborate, rather than operate in isolation. This, he said, underscores the need for a unified committee that encourages shared responsibility among regulators, service providers, and operators.
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The NOSC’s Terms of Reference include supporting the establishment and continuous review of the state’s operational safety risk profile; developing corrective action plans; coordinating management of change processes to detect new hazards; and monitoring overall safety performance.
The committee is also tasked with supporting safety promotion efforts, contributing to updates of the State Safety Programme,SSP, and the National Aviation Safety Plan, and carrying out additional assignments from the NESC aimed at improving the state’s operational safety risk profile.
In his welcome address, Director of Special Duties, Dr. Horatius Egua, outlined the committee’s structure and operating strategy. He explained that the NOSC will meet quarterly and work through designated working groups aligned with the SSP framework to tackle emerging risks proactively.
Egua, who chairs the committee, expressed confidence that the inauguration marks a strong step toward full implementation of the SSP in Nigeria.
He encouraged members to view their selection as a national assignment, stressing that their commitment would help place Nigeria among countries that have achieved complete SSP implementation.
Members of the NOSC include Dr. Egua as chairman; DSD NSIB Engr. Frank Odita as alternate chairman; general managers from the Flight Standards Group; safety managers of operators and service providers; SSP implementation team members; and the national SSP coordinator, who serves as head of the secretariat.
The committee will convene quarterly, through both physical and virtual meetings, ensuring participation from all aviation stakeholders. This hybrid approach aims to support seamless collaboration in identifying and addressing emerging safety risks.
The inauguration drew participation from key aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, airline operators, and other sector stakeholders.
NAN
