The Nigerian government has approved 645.5 million Naira (more than $1.7 million) to build an air accident investigation school in the federal capital Abuja. This is an outcome of the Federal Executive Council chaired last week by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Equipment for the new facility will be certified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). With the creation of this school, the country is taking another step forward in training for aeronautical professions. Nigeria already has a training school for piloting, airport maintenance, aeronautical telecommunications, air navigation, and air management and operations. Based in Zaria in the northern state of Kaduna, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), established on 23 October 1964, was voted the best aviation school in Africa in April 2017.

Let’s note the Federal Executive Council has also approved 591.8 million Naira ($1.6 million) to refurbish the premises of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in Abuja. AIB also has offices in Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt.

Romuald Ngueyap