“In a gentle way you can shake the world”
–Mahatma Gandhi
Let me start this conversation by referring to the statement attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most iconic leaders who ever lived. Although this is by no means an attempt at comparison, Gandhi’s timeless lyrics and calm, peaceful approach to tackling some of the world’s most intractable problems fit perfectly into the style of the Chief Executive Officer/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. , Captain Musa Shuaibu Nuhu.
A quiet revolution is underway in the civil aviation sector in Nigeria and it has the unmistakable fingerprints of a team player and a quintessential leader, Captain Nuhu.
Shortly after Captain Nuhu assumed office on March 16, 2020, the world was hit by the COVID -19 pandemic, which caused a total global lockdown. But that was to bring out the best in him; the deadly pandemic sparked his innate leadership qualities. He sprang into action, and the NCAA became the first civil aviation authority to invent COVID-19 health protocols and other guidance documents ahead of all other AACs, including the global arbiter of aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The Protocols came in the form of 48 carefully planned and thought through circulars. Among them are the targeted exemption from certain regulatory requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic: flight crew competence; Exemptions from certain regulatory requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic: recent flight crew experience and competence; Training organization restart plan approved after COVID-19 lockdown; Revised Interim Quarantine Protocol for Travelers Arriving or Leaving Nigeria; Exemption documents, etc.
This ultimately earned the Chief Executive and the NCAA worldwide praise and awards, including from the African Civil Aviation Commission. Many awards from other reputable organizations also followed.
The NCAA was able to accomplish all of this at a time when some organizations, private and public, were downsizing, while others were placing their employees on half pay. The NCAA paid its employees in full and as they went through the lockdown due to the frugality and savings of its predecessor. Captain Nuhu is also renowned for his fair stewardship of the Authority’s scarce resources during his tenure.
It is recorded that under his leadership, the NCAA provided the necessary leadership and rallying point for industry stakeholders during the lockdown period. He did this by hosting a series of virtual meetings to gather thoughts, opinions and ideas on what was being done, what needed to be done and the way forward. No one has been left out. Everyone’s opinions mattered. Stakeholders who attended these meetings applauded Captain Nuhu for his ability to listen to a wide range of opinions and suggestions, but also for his toughness, especially when it comes to safety. All these activities were supported by the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika. He personally attended some of the meetings, made key contributions and also offered policy guidance during this very difficult time for the industry.
Restarting the industry post-lockdown became an easy task for stakeholders as they were all on the same page.
Nigeria is a Tier 1 nation, which means we are part of what a former chief executive described as the “Premier League of Nations” with a strong safety record. It’s no small task that this has been maintained over the years at a time when others are losing theirs.
But a number of factors combined to work in favor of the Authority. First, God had complete control. What followed was hard work, training and retraining of staff. Recruitment of qualified, competent and experienced hands in our inspection divisions, which constitute the common thread of any aviation regulatory body.
Now, Capt Nuhu brought the NCAA back to the World Aviation Center stage by hosting the 7th African Indian Ocean Regional Meeting held in Abuja from May 16-20, 2022. It was about a gathering of industry titans including ICAO Secretary-General, Directors General of Civil Aviation Authorities of African Countries, International Air Transport Association, Association of African Aviation Training Organizations, Airlines, Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, aviation journalists and other allied technical personnel.
The meeting was declared open by Senator Hadi Sirika, Honorable Minister of Aviation, on Monday, May 16, 2022. During the discussion, reports from various committees and groups were reviewed, considered and a final outcome came out on Friday from this date. week, and it was adopted. This end result aims to chart a new course of action for the improvement of air navigation safety on the African continent and in the world as a whole.
All in all, it’s safe to say the NCAA is up to snuff, and Capt Nuhu is leading the way for improvement.
Sam Adurogboye is the General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this website may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior express written permission of PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this website may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior express written permission of PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
