Nigeria’s Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council, Mr Ben Tukur, has been elected as the 5th Chairperson of the ICAO comprehensive regional implementation Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI Plan).

This significant appointment took place during the 27th meeting of the AFI Plan Steering Committee, held as part of the 9th AFI Aviation Week in Libreville, Gabon.

Mr Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in a statement in Abuja, said the election of Tukur as chairperson underscored Nigeria’s commitment toward aviation safety standards in Africa.

”Tukur`s leadership is expected to drive the AFI Plan’s objectives forward by fostering a safer and more efficient aviation environment across the continent.

”The AFI Plan established by ICAO in 2007 aimed to enhance aviation safety in Africa.

“Through a sustainable and structured approach. The plan is to promote active participation of all stakeholders in the aviation sector, including States, Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs), and Regional Accident Investigation Agencies (RAIOs).

“The broad objective of the AFI Plan is to improve aviation safety in Africa by providing a coordinated framework that involves all relevant stakeholders.

”Objectives include- strengthening safety oversight and management capacity by assisting States in enhancing their safety oversight and safety management capabilities and increasing safety oversight Implementation by raising the level of safety oversight implementation across the region,” he said.

Others, he said are certifying aerodromes by increasing the certification of aerodromes used for international operations, implementing State safety programs and enhancing the implementation of state safety programs.

He also mentioned supporting regional safety and investigation organisations by strengthening and integrating RSOOs and RAIOs to ensure effective and sustainable functioning.

NAN reports that the AFI Plan is aimed at assisting long-term infrastructure planning by providing support to States in long-term planning, particularly regarding infrastructure development.

NAN reports that it was developed to address the concerns expressed by the ICAO Council on the safety status of aircraft operations in the AFI Region.

The AFI Plan was adopted by the 36th ICAO Assembly (Assembly Resolution A36-1).

To implement the AFI Plan, the ICAO Secretary General established on Jan. 1, 2008 the AFI Comprehensive Implementation Programme (ACIP). (NAN)

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