By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has achieved a commendable milestone in the current year by recording zero manned-aircraft accidents.
Abubakar made this known at the NAF Training, Operations and Safety Seminar for the year 2024, on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said the feat was a testament to the positive outcomes of NAF’s continued investment in safety.
Abubakar also announced that the NAF had conducted a comprehensive review of its safety policy, culminating in the development of the first-ever Safety Management System (SMS) manual that was unveiled on Wednesday.
He added that the unveiling of a compendium that consolidated all aircraft accident investigation reports in the history of the NAF.
“This landmark initiative, the first of its kind for the NAF, serves as a vital resource to ensure that lessons are learned, and the critical mistakes of the past are not repeated.
“Today marks another watershed moment for the Nigerian Air Force as we welcome the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to present the Accreditation Certificate to the NAF Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC).
“This certificate formally designates the centre as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), authorised to train and certify licensed air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, and cabin crew,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar culminated in the winging of 28 pilots and presentation of awards to some personnel.
The personnel according to him, have through extraordinary gallantry and exceptional performance, led ground offensives that resulted in the elimination of notorious bandit leaders and gang members in Zamfara, under Operation Hadarin Daji, now Operation Fansan Yamma.
“Their dedication and courage exemplify the highest ideals of service to our nation.
“The country is grateful for their remarkable contributions, the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to recognising, motivating, and rewarding such exemplary individuals in a manner befitting their service and sacrifice,” the CAS said. (NAN)
