By Victor Akaa
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Tuesday, emphasized the need for a proactive safety culture to break the accident chain among the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel. The CAS stated this during the 2024 NAF Safety Review Board (SRB) meeting at NAF Headquarters, where he chaired.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information,NAF in a statement said Vice Marshal Abubakar urged the Board to propose innovative ideas to enhance safety in the NAF.
The CAS stressed that safety is a collective responsibility, but the SRB is primarily accountable for safety administration. He noted that accidents result from a sequence of events, beginning with deliberate decisions, and called for determination to improve safety in all areas.
The NAF regards safety as a core function and is committed to developing and implementing policies for a safe and conducive environment. He assured that the NAF will intensify efforts to enhance safety as it transforms into an agile and resilient force.
Earlier, the Chief of Standards and Evaluation ,NAF, Air Vice Marshal Micheal Onyebashi, revealed that the SRB is the apex body of the NAF Safety Management Structure, designed to deliberate on major policy, resource allocation, and regulatory issues relating to safety.
Dr. Iteke Ifeanyichukwu Chukwunonso of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority whilst presenting a paper on ‘Senior Managers’ Role in Organizational Safety Management System’, emphasized the need for a business-like approach to safety management and encouraging open reporting and incentives for promoting safety.
The CAS commended the NAF for its exceptional safety standards and urged leadership to retain responsibility and accountability for safety. Enugu Reporters reports that the meeting aimed to enhance safety in the NAF and ensure a conducive environment for its operations.
