Nigerian Air Force reiterates commitment to safety enhancement in operational units
By Matthew Eloyi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its commitment to bolstering Safety Management Systems (SMS) across all its units, with a particular emphasis on operational and engineering units.
According to a statement by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, this was disclosed by Chief of The Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, during the opening of the year 2023 NAF Safety Review Board (SRB) meeting held at NAF Headquarters in Abuja earlier today.
Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that safety management is a paramount priority and a core function considering the technical and complex nature of the tasks assigned to the Service.
He stated, “The NAF is fully committed to developing, implementing, and reviewing policies to ensure that NAF operations and other activities are conducted in a safe environment.”
The CAS highlighted that safety is fundamental to his vision of transforming the NAF into an agile and resilient force capable of meeting the airpower demands of national security in diverse operational environments.
Expressing his dedication to continuous improvement in safety standards, Air Marshal Abubakar outlined deliberate programs aimed at enhancing flight safety, as well as occupational and domestic safety within the NAF.
He acknowledged the commitment of the administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in equipping the NAF with modern platforms to counter-terrorism, insurgency, and criminal activities across the nation.
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The CAS announced the arrival of new platforms acquired by the Federal Government, which are expected to significantly boost the NAF’s combat capabilities.
However, he cautioned about the potential increase in hazards associated with heightened operational tempo, in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) understanding that hazards are inherent in operational activities. In response, he called for proactive safety management in all units and directed operational units receiving new aircraft to identify and manage associated risks aggressively.
Air Vice Marshal Micheal Onyebashi, the NAF Chief of Standards and Evaluation, explained that the SRB meeting is designed to discuss and review issues related to safety policies and regulations while allocating resources for enhanced safety standards in the NAF. With the addition of new platforms to the NAF’s inventory, he stressed the imperative of elevating safety standards in all operational units.
The meeting featured a paper presentation on Safety Management System and Human Factors by Air Vice Marshal Gabriel Odesola (Rtd), a review of NAF Safety Outlook, and briefs by various Air Officers Commanding, providing a comprehensive overview of the strategies and measures being implemented to fortify safety within the Nigerian Air Force.
