The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, have agreed to deepen collaboration between Nigeria’s civil and military aviation authorities following the tragic Nigerian Air Force aircraft incident at IgIgbokoda.
According to a press statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the agreement was reached on Wednesday when Keyamo paid a condolence visit to the Chief of Air Staff over the incident, with both leaders resolving to establish a stronger framework for cooperation in aviation safety, airworthiness, certification, training and capacity building.
The proposed collaboration will bring the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) closer together while preserving the statutory responsibilities of both institutions.
Speaking after a private meeting with the Chief of Air Staff, Keyamo said the incident has highlighted the need to narrow the traditional gap between civil and military aviation, stressing that both sectors ultimately have a shared responsibility to protect Nigerian lives.
“It is one country, one people. When disaster happens, it affects everybody,” the minister said.
He noted that aviation tragedies do not distinguish between civilian and military operators, pointing out that civilians could be affected by military aircraft incidents while military personnel could also be involved in civil aviation accidents.
According to him, the development makes closer cooperation between the two sectors imperative, particularly in safety-related areas.
Keyamo disclosed that he has already contacted the Director-General of the NCAA and facilitated direct communication between the NCAA leadership and the Chief of Air Staff as part of efforts to strengthen the relationship.
“We have decided that we will cooperate in terms of capacity building,” he said.
The minister said a joint committee involving the NCAA and the Nigerian Air Force would be established to facilitate cooperation in areas including airworthiness, certification, training and other aviation safety measures.
He also offered Nigerian Air Force personnel access to relevant training programmes undertaken by civil aviation authorities.
“There is no reason why we cannot take some names from the Air Force. We have a lot of training we go for,” Keyamo said.
He further acknowledged the specialised expertise within the Air Force, saying it could also contribute to strengthening the civil aviation sector.
“This is a kind of cross-pollination and symbiotic relationship we have decided to build for the safety of the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
The minister expressed sympathy to the Nigerian Air Force over the Igbokoda tragedy and commended the sacrifices and service of its personnel.
Responding, Air Marshal Aneke thanked Keyamo for the condolence visit and his continued support for the Air Force.
He said the engagement demonstrated the growing relationship between Nigeria’s civil and military aviation sectors and disclosed that discussions had already begun on a framework for technical cooperation.
According to him, personnel from the civil aviation sector would be able to contribute to the Air Force’s safety environment, particularly in areas such as airworthiness and certification, while Air Force personnel could also provide expertise to the civil aviation sector where necessary.
“We have both agreed that we need to move the aviation industry, whether military or civil, to a higher level,” Aneke said.
The Chief of Air Staff welcomed the offer of training opportunities for Air Force personnel, saying it would help strengthen professional capacity and improve aviation safety.
He stressed that both institutions have a common responsibility to protect Nigerians.
“We are serving the same government; we are protecting the same Nigerians. So we are just a blend of each other,” he said.
The new framework is expected to improve information sharing, technical cooperation, professional training and safety coordination between Nigeria’s civil and military aviation authorities.
The move also marks an effort by both sectors to leverage their respective expertise to strengthen aviation safety and reduce the gaps between civil and military aviation operations.
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