Nigeria’s aviation sector operates under a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure safety, security, and efficiency in air transportation. The primary legislation governing civil aviation is the Civil Aviation Act 2022, which aligns national regulations with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. This Act establishes the legal and institutional framework for civil aviation, addressing safety and security concerns, and enhancing the operational standards of airline services in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority serves as the apex regulatory body, empowered by the CAA to oversee and regulate aviation safety without political interference. The NCAA’s responsibilities include certifying air operators, licensing personnel, ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, and conducting safety oversight functions of airports and airspace. The authority operates based on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, a comprehensive document comprising 20 parts that cover various aspects of aviation operations, such as personnel licensing, aircraft registration, airworthiness, and operations.
In addition to the NCAA, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau plays a critical role in the aviation safety framework. Established under the NSIB Act, the bureau is responsible for the investigation of air accidents and incidents, with the aim of identifying causes and recommending preventive measures. The Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 2024 outline the procedures and standards for conducting these investigations, ensuring transparency and adherence to international best practices.
Despite this robust regulatory framework, challenges persist in the enforcement of aviation safety regulations in Nigeria. Issues such as ageing aircraft fleets, inadequate maintenance practices, and infrastructural limitations have been identified as factors contributing to safety concerns. For instance, many Nigerian airlines operate ageing fleets, increasing the likelihood of technical failures. Implementing predictive maintenance technologies and enforcing stricter aircraft lifecycle regulations have been suggested as measures to improve safety outcomes.
Furthermore, while the NCAA has the authority to enforce compliance through sanctions and procedures outlined in the Nig.CARs, the effectiveness of these enforcement mechanisms has been a subject of discussion. The NCAA’s powers include reviewing reported violations, conducting investigations and hearings, issuing subpoenas, and prosecuting offenders with the consent of the Attorney General. However, the practical implementation of these powers and the consistency in applying sanctions remain areas requiring continuous improvement to ensure compliance and enhance safety standards.
In December 2024, a Fly Bird HS 125 aircraft operating a flight from Abuja to Accra experienced a critical in-flight emergency, losing both engines midair. The incident unfolded shortly after departure from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, when the crew reported an issue with engine number two while climbing through flight level 240. Approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of VOR station VONUK, the crew decided to return to Abuja. During the descent, engine number two failed at flight level 230, and upon approaching Abuja at around 5,000 feet, the crew declared a Mayday, indicating the loss of engine number one. Despite these severe challenges, the pilots managed to land safely at 18:16 UTC, with all four individuals on board, three crew members and one passenger escaping unharmed.
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