Aviation news
FG has strengthen aviation safety, security through training of personnel— Minister
Festus Keyamo SAN
The Federal Government has said that the provision of quality aviation training is critical to the development of a sustainable, safe and secure air transport industry in Nigeria.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed this at the 10th anniversary of African Aviation Training Organisation (AATO) on Thursday in Abuja, adding that the Federal Government as a result strengthen safety and security in the sector through adequate training of personnel.
The Minister who was represented by represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Emmanuel Meribole, alluded the importance of aviation sector to social and economic development in Nigeria and Africa cannot be overemphsized.
“The growth of the industry will be influenced by the pace at which African organisations are able to develop and retain adequate and skilled human resource in compliance with ICAO provisions, plans, programmes and required performance specified in ICAO SARP.”
Describing the interconnectedness of the institutions in AATO, Keyamo , explained that promoting cooperation and harmonisation culture in the interest of members of aviation training in Africa will result in a formidable AATO.
He therefore urged the AATO members with the development of policy and guidelines for aviation training organisations in Africa to help facilitate compliance with global international standards.
Similarly, Dr Yakubu Ibrahim, Technical Coordinator, African Aviation Training Organisation (AATO), while responding to questions from journalists explained that the aim and vision of AATO is to bring all African countries together so as to harmonize the training curriculum and levels, in order to avoid having to move moving from one country to another to change certificates.
” So, far we are now getting people to be aware of it and see how we can come together and start to solve those problems.”
Earlier in her remarks, the ICAO Eastern and Southern African Office Regional Director, Ms Lucy Meugea explained that innovation and digital learning platforms in the Africa continent can bridge the technology gap and offer state-of-the-art training programs that align with global standards.
According to Ms Meugea, investments in modernizing training facilities, upgrading aviation curricula, and fostering a culture of safety and excellence will not only address current challenges but also position Africa as a formidable player in the global aviation arena.
She noted that it is with this
understanding that ICAO has been supporting the establishment and strengthening of AATO to carry out its function not only to enhance the quality and magnitude of aviation training but also primarily to harmonize and standardize aviation training in the continent.
” Let us navigate the complexities of aviation training in Africa, let us collectively recognize the challenges as opportunities to propel our continent’s aviation sector to new heights.
“By fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and investing in our human capital, we can ensure that the skies above Africa are navigated by a generation of skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of the future. For this to happen effectively we need to strengthen the Association of the African Aviation Training Organization (AATO) to carry out its primary functions.”
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