Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, have agreed to strengthen collaboration between the country's civil and military aviation authorities. The agreement was reached during a condolence visit by Keyamo to Aneke following a tragic Nigerian Air Force aircraft incident at Igbokoda. The partnership aims to promote greater information sharing, technical cooperation, and safety collaboration between the two sectors.
Keyamo expressed deep sympathy to the Nigerian Air Force, describing the incident as a national tragedy and commending the gallantry and sacrifices of the men and women of the Air Force. He stressed that tragedies within the aviation sector do not distinguish between military and civilian operators, noting that both sectors ultimately serve the same country and protect the same citizens. The Minister emphasized the need for greater cooperation and sharing of expertise between the two sides.
The Minister noted that the Nigerian Air Force already relies on civil aviation infrastructure, particularly air traffic control, and said the existing relationship should now be expanded into a more structured partnership. He disclosed that he had already contacted the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and facilitated direct communication between the NCAA leadership and the Chief of Air Staff. A joint committee involving the NCAA and the Nigerian Air Force will be established to facilitate collaboration in airworthiness, certification, training, and other aviation safety measures.
Keyamo announced that personnel of the Nigerian Air Force would be given access to relevant training opportunities undertaken by the civil aviation authorities. He acknowledged that the Nigerian Air Force possesses specialized expertise that would be beneficial to the civil aviation sector, describing the proposed relationship as a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and experience. The Minister emphasized that this partnership would enhance aviation safety across the country.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, thanked Keyamo for the condolence visit and for his continued support for the Nigerian Air Force. He described the Minister's gesture as a demonstration of the strong relationship that has developed between the civil and military aviation sectors under his leadership. Aneke disclosed that both institutions had already commenced discussions on a framework that would enable personnel from the civil aviation sector to contribute to the Air Force's safety environment.
Aneke welcomed Keyamo's offer of training opportunities for Air Force personnel, stressing that the initiative would strengthen capacity and enhance aviation safety across the country. The Chief of Air Staff emphasized that the two institutions have a shared responsibility to protect Nigerian lives. He noted that they are serving the same government and protecting the same Nigerians, making them a blend of each other.
The new partnership between the civil and military aviation authorities is expected to promote greater cooperation and safety collaboration, ultimately enhancing the safety of Nigerian lives. The agreement marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between the two sectors, with a focus on aviation safety, airworthiness, certification, training, and capacity building. The collaboration will also facilitate the sharing of expertise and knowledge between the two sectors.
Key points
- Nigeria's aviation minister and air force chief agree to deepen collaboration on safety, airworthiness, and training.
