By Itohan Abara-Laserian
An aviation professional, Mr Yakubu Dati, has commended the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, for prioritising training of aviation professionals to match current industry needs.
Dati, a former General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, made the commendation on Friday in Lagos.
He said that capacity development was necessary following developments in the aviation industry with particular regard to the re-certification of Lagos and Abuja airports by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Cape Town Convention.
Dati said that within a short time of assuming office, Kuku had been able to improve operations in all federal airports.
According to him, Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention Compliance Index had moved to 75 per cent from about 35 per cent under Kuku’s administration.
He said that the improvement officially removed Nigeria from the Aviation Working Committee watchlist of non-compliant countries.
Dati said that safety came first in airport operations; hence, the emphasis on it by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“Within a short period in office, the FAAN MD was able to sign the safety protocol.
“Also, she has been able to train, from what I heard, about 1,400 people in the area of safety,” Dati said.
He said that prioritising training made work easier.
Dati also said that the recent certification of FAAN Training School by ICAO would improve professionalism in aviation, particularly among air traffic controllers.
On re-certification of airports, he said: “There are other airports that are undergoing the process because it is a long process.
“Kuku inherited the process and has been able to cap two airports. Now, those of Kano Airport, Port Harcourt Airport and Enugu Airport are ongoing.”
“Upgrading the status of airports requires putting infrastructure necessary for that categorisation and for that qualification.”
He commended Kuku’s resilience and team spirit in ensuring collaboration among aviation stakeholders.