Why Nigeria's aviation sector must move beyond NCAA rules to a safety culture.

Aviation is a very strict industry. Rules keep people safe every day. In Nigeria, air travel helps the economy. It connects people across the region. However, rules alone are not enough. The industry needs a strong safety culture.

Captain Evarest Nnaji is a licensed pilot. He leads OAS Helicopters in Nigeria. He says safety must be instinctive. It should not be forced. True safety happens when rules become habits. This is the goal for Nigerian aviation. It helps the sector reach global levels.

Leadership and Accountability

Leadership is the first step. Bosses must show the way. They must support all safety plans. This includes giving money for training. When leaders care, employees follow them. This prevents a "box-ticking" mindset. Rules should protect lives, not just pass audits.

This is vital for offshore aviation operations. These flights go to deep-water fields. There are often no alternate airports. Navigational aids can be very limited. In these areas, there is no room for error. Crew members must be highly trained. They must follow the best ICAO standards.

Building a Just Culture

A "Just Culture" is also necessary. This is critical for growth in Africa. In this system, honest mistakes are not punished. However, reckless behavior is still held accountable. Fear of punishment stops people from reporting. This hides dangerous data from the industry.

Workers must feel safe to speak up. Openness builds trust in the system. It helps the NCAA improve its oversight. Nigeria recently improved its global compliance ratings. The country reached a score of 75.5% in late 2025. This shows that the industry is maturing.

Learning from Near-Misses

Near-misses are great tools for learning. Nigeria faces many operational challenges. These include bad weather and limited infrastructure. Analyzing close calls can prevent future accidents. Progressive companies treat incidents as opportunities. They use them to improve training.

Nigerian aviation safety compliance is evolving. It is moving beyond basic regulation. It now focuses on committed leadership. A strong culture builds global credibility. When these elements align, the industry thrives. Safety becomes the foundation for sustainable growth.

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