New aviation regulation takes effect July 1, 2016

*FAAN inaugurate runway safety committee

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) today disclosed that the new Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) promulgated in December, 2015, will take effect from July 1,  2016.

This was contained in a Circular Ref: NCAA/DG/AOL/21/16/01 sent to all airline operators last month.
Spokesman for NCAA, Sam Adurogboye stated that whilst all operators are in possession of the copies of the regulations, the interregnum between April and the commencement date is a permissible transitional period.

He noted that during this time, all stakeholders are expected to acquaint themselves with the contents therein for seamless implementation.
The process of review was set in motion to align Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) with recent International Civil Aviation Organisations (ICAO) amendments and industry observations received by the NCAA.
In other words, the reviewed Nig.CARs is to ensure a completion of the Annexes. Provisions have therefore been made for economic and consumer protection regulations – that were hitherto not incorporated in the 2009 edition.
Adurogboye reiterated that in addition, the NCAA decided on the review to standardise the operational procedures, implementation and enforcement in the industry.
His words, “All these have been done in conformity with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as contained in the Annexes to the Chicago Convention.”
The new Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2015 has 19 parts comprising General Policies and Definitions; Personnel Licensing; Aviation Training Organisations; Registration and Marketing; Airworthiness; Approved Maintenance Organisations; Instrument and Equipment; Operations; Air Operator Certification and Administration and Commercial Air Transport by Foreign Air Carrier within Nigeria.
Others are Commercial Aircraft Operations used for Specialised Services (Aerial Works); Aerodrome Regulations; Air Navigation Services; Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Air; Environmental Protection Regulations; Aviation Security and Offences.
The authority enjoined all airline operators in Nigeria and all stakeholders to ensure total and sustained adherence to the reviewed Regulations. Any breach would be met with the stipulated sanctions.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma has  inaugurated the Lagos runway safety team, in compliance with Resolution A37-6 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which requires member States to implement appropriate measures to enhance runway safety.

The inauguration took place during a meeting between the Managing Director and members of Lagos Runway Safety Team led by Mrs. Ngozi Njoku, who is also the Deputy General Manager/Head of Safety Services Department at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

In his remarks, Dunoma urged the team to ensure strict compliance to ICAO standards in carrying out their duties. He also encouraged them to ensure the certification of all airports in Nigeria.

The functions of the team, according to FAAN’s Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Henry Omeogu, include advising management on potential runway safety issues, recommending strategies for hazard removal, mitigating residual risk and ensuring strict compliance with ICAO Standards in all airside operations.

Njoku, in her earlier remark, had presented their needs, including operational vehicles, communication equipment, fully equipped office facilities, training and other logistic support which the MD promised to provide, relative to availability of funds

Wole Shadare