Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, emphasized the critical role of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel in preventing accidents during operations. Speaking at the 2024 NAF Safety Review Board (SRB) meeting in Abuja, he urged for proactive measures to establish a strong safety culture across all levels of the NAF. Abubakar highlighted that safety is a collective responsibility, and the Safety Review Board is primarily accountable for ensuring effective safety administration.
Abubakar reiterated that safety is a core function of the NAF and committed to ongoing policy development and implementation to maintain a safe environment. He assured that efforts to enhance safety would continue as the NAF transforms into an agile and resilient force, capable of meeting national security demands. The government's commitment to equipping the NAF with modern platforms further underscores the importance of a proactive safety culture.
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Air Vice Marshal Micheal Onyebashi, Chief of Standards and Evaluation, explained that the SRB, as the apex body of the NAF Safety Management Structure, meets biannually to address major policy and regulatory issues. He noted the introduction of safety education at all entry points and training institutions and the use of online learning infrastructure to sustain safety education across the NAF. Onyebashi stressed the imperative for the SRB, commands, and units to work diligently to maintain safety standards, especially with the induction of new platforms.
Dr. Iteke Ifeanyichukwu Chukwunonso from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority discussed the role of senior managers in safety management. He emphasized managing risks proactively and integrating safety management into the organizational culture. Commending the NAF's safety standards, Chukwunonso called for leadership to maintain responsibility and accountability for safety, promote open reporting, and offer incentives for safety promotion. He concluded by stressing the importance of senior management in effective safety management.
