Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, have agreed to strengthen collaboration between the Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in areas including aviation safety, airworthiness, certification, training, and capacity building. The agreement was reached during a condolence visit by Keyamo to Aneke in Abuja following a tragic NAF aircraft incident at Igbokoda, Ondo state, on October 8, 2026.
Keyamo expressed deep sympathy to the NAF over the incident, describing it as a national tragedy. He commended the gallantry and sacrifices of NAF personnel, emphasizing the importance of their role in the country. The minister noted that aviation sector tragedies do not distinguish between military and civilian operators, as both serve the same country and protect the same citizens. This, he said, underscores the need for greater cooperation and sharing of expertise between the two sectors.
The minister highlighted that the NAF relies on civil aviation infrastructure, particularly air traffic control. He stated that the existing relationship between the two sectors should be expanded into a more structured partnership. Keyamo has already contacted the Director-General of the NCAA and facilitated direct communication between the NCAA leadership and the Chief of Air Staff. This move aims to establish a joint committee to facilitate collaboration in airworthiness, certification, training, and other aviation safety measures.
Keyamo assured Aneke that NAF personnel would have access to relevant training opportunities provided by the civil aviation authorities. He mentioned that there is no reason why NAF personnel cannot participate in training programs undertaken by the civil aviation sector. The minister also noted that the NAF possesses specialized expertise that would benefit the civil aviation sector. He described the proposed relationship as a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and experience.
The minister emphasized that the collaboration is aimed at ensuring the safety of Nigerians. He described it as a "cross-pollination and symbiotic relationship" between the two sectors. Keyamo's initiative seeks to leverage the strengths of both sectors to enhance aviation safety in Nigeria. The partnership is expected to foster a more integrated approach to aviation safety, with both sectors working together to achieve common goals.
In response, Chief of Air Staff Aneke welcomed Keyamo's gesture, describing it as a demonstration of the strong relationship between the civil and military aviation sectors. Aneke stated that both institutions have commenced discussions on a framework that would enable personnel from the civil aviation sector to contribute to the Air Force's safety environment. He noted that Air Force personnel would also contribute their expertise to the civil aviation sector where required.
Aneke emphasized that both sectors are serving the same government and protecting the same Nigerians, making them complementary to each other. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would elevate the aviation industry, whether military or civil, to a higher level of safety and efficiency. The partnership between the NCAA and NAF is expected to yield positive outcomes in the area of aviation safety, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian public.
Key points
- Strengthening collaboration between Nigeria's civil and military aviation sectors
- Enhancing aviation safety through joint training and expertise sharing
- Fostering a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and experience between the two sectors
