In a decisive move towards bolstering safety procedures within its ranks, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has affirmed its dedication to strengthening Safety Management Systems, particularly focusing on operational and engineering units.
Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of The Air Staff (CAS), made this commitment during the inauguration of the 2023 NAF Safety Review Board (SRB) meeting held at NAF Headquarters in Abuja on November 16, 2023.
Highlighting the paramount importance of safety management within the NAF, Air Marshal Abubakar stressed that, given the technical and complex nature of the tasks assigned to the Service, ensuring a safe environment is a major priority and core function. He asserted, “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.” Furthermore, he emphasized that safety is the cornerstone for achieving his vision of transforming the NAF into an agile and resilient force capable of meeting national security airpower demands in various operational environments.
Air Marshal Abubakar affirmed his commitment to continuous improvement in safety standards. He outlined deliberate programs aimed at enhancing flight safety, as well as occupational and domestic safety within the NAF. Expressing gratitude for the support of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration in equipping the NAF with modern platforms, he acknowledged the arrival of some of these platforms, anticipating that they would significantly boost the NAF’s combat capabilities and operational tempo.
Aware of the potential increase in hazards associated with heightened operational tempo, the CAS called for proactive safety management. Specifically, he directed operational units receiving newly acquired NAF aircraft to actively identify and manage hazards associated with the introduction and operations of these new platforms. Emphasizing the responsibility of all personnel, Air Marshal Abubakar urged field Commanders to ensure safety training translates into the development of a positive safety culture, improved safety practices, and heightened awareness of individual responsibilities.
In an earlier address, Air Vice Marshal Micheal Onyebashi, the NAF Chief of Standards and Evaluation, outlined the SRB’s role in discussing and reviewing safety policies and regulations. He stressed the allocation of resources to enhance safety standards and the provision of directives and guidelines for fostering a positive safety culture within the NAF. With the incorporation of new platforms into the NAF’s inventory, Air Vice Marshal Onyebashi underscored the critical need for elevated safety standards across all operational units.
Key features of the SRB meeting included a comprehensive presentation on Safety Management System and Human Factors by Air Vice Marshal Gabriel Odesola (Rtd), a review of the NAF Safety Outlook, and briefings by various Air Officers Commanding, among other agenda items.