From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The 2025 Safety Review Board (SRB) meeting of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) opened in Abuja on Tuesday, July 22, with a call on personnel to avoid complacency and operational lapses that could sabotage the successes so far recorded by the service.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, who gave the charge, also called on personnel to be mindful of both high-impact and low-frequency accidents, which often result in catastrophic outcomes, and low-impact, high-frequency incidents, which are often early indicators of systemic safety deficiencies.
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Abubakar, who spoke while declaring the meeting open, maintained that aviation safety remains an essential pillar of air power development and operational readiness of the Nigerian Air Force.
The NAF Chief, who commended personnel for their dedication, sacrifices, and professionalism in strengthening and upholding the safety culture of the service to high standards, said the meeting would, among other things, deliberate on past occurrences and chart a forward-looking course consistent with strategic objectives.
While noting that the Safety Review Board stands as the apex forum for evaluating safety performance across the Nigerian Air Force, Air Marshal Abubakar said: “It provides strategic oversight for the continuous improvement of our Safety Management System (SMS) and serves as a vital instrument in our collective efforts to achieve the ultimate goals of safety, which include preventing loss of lives, injuries to personnel, and damage to assets and infrastructure.
“Furthermore, the Board aligns with the recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and reflects our commitment to upholding global best standards in aviation safety governance.
“In a high-risk environment such as ours, we must be ever mindful of both high-impact, low-frequency accidents, which often result in catastrophic outcomes, and low-impact, high-frequency incidents, which are often early indicators of systemic safety deficiencies. It is, therefore, imperative that we address both dimensions with equal vigour, pursuant to our emphasis on deliberate training and mission-oriented force development in our bid ‘to transform the Nigerian Air Force into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments.
“Our deliberations today must not only reflect on past occurrences but also chart a forward-looking course consistent with the strategic objectives of the Nigerian Air Force. The agenda for today includes a variety of avenues to critically appraise our safety activities. I urge us all to engage in these sessions meaningfully, leveraging our collective expertise to proffer solutions that will further entrench a proactive safety culture in the Service.”
Continuing, the NAF Chief said: “Globally, aviation safety continues to benefit from advancements in technology, improved regulatory oversight, and a shift towards data-driven safety models. However, emerging threats such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities, fatigue-related risks, and the impact of climate change continue to pose new challenges that demand adaptive and forward-thinking responses. Of particular concern are human factors, which remain a leading contributor to aviation incidents and accidents. Errors in judgement, communication lapses, mental health issues, and procedural non-compliance have consistently featured in accident investigations worldwide. We must, therefore, be deliberate in training, supervision, and culture-building to ensure that our personnel maintain the highest standards of vigilance, discipline, and situational awareness at all times.
“Within our own operational environment, I am pleased to note that since the last SRB meeting held in December 2024, the Nigerian Air Force has not recorded any aircraft accident. This is indeed a commendable milestone and a testament to our deliberate efforts to institutionalise safety at all levels of command. It reflects the growing maturity of our Safety Management System and the commitment of commanders and personnel across the Service.
“Nonetheless, we must guard against complacency. Recent operational trends have revealed concerning patterns that warrant sustained attention. Mechanical and other system failures, along with operational and handling errors—particularly within our F-7Ni, MI-171, and UAV fleets—accounted for 70 per cent of platform-related incidents. Another area of concern was battle damage involving the A-29 Super Tucano and T-129 ATAK helicopter fleets, which constituted 20 per cent of recorded occurrences.
“The resurgence of insecurity in the North-East necessitated intensified counter-insurgency operations, including increased sortie rates and night flying missions. This heightened operational tempo contributed to a corresponding rise in safety incidents. Additionally, the induction of multiple platforms, coupled with a shortage of experienced pilots and an influx of young, relatively inexperienced technicians at the unit level, further underscores the imperative for enhanced oversight and continuous mentorship.
“While there was a slight decline in the number of fire outbreaks compared to last year, fires affecting a UAV platform, residential quarters, office, and operational areas were reported during the period under review. Preliminary investigations attributed many of these incidents to power surges, defective electrical fittings, and uncontrolled bush burning. This calls for a stronger maintenance culture and better vigilance on the part of supervisors.
“In response to these realities, we have taken deliberate steps to reposition the NAF safety framework. One key policy shift was the decision to convene the Safety Review Board twice annually rather than once, and to hold Safety Action Group meetings on a quarterly basis instead of biannually. This has allowed for more frequent monitoring and timely decision-making on emerging safety issues.
“In the second quarter of this year, I commissioned eight refurbished and upgraded fire trucks for various NAF units. Several firemen underwent training and were provided with PPEs to enhance fire safety and our emergency response capacity.
“We have also intensified training and awareness campaigns aimed at embedding a proactive safety mindset across all levels of the Service. I am pleased to note that in the current year alone, 157 officers and 1,322 airmen have undergone safety induction and SMS awareness training across various units. These efforts are complemented by the ongoing safety courses at the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Safety (NAFIS), Ipetu-Ijesha, which has evolved into a centre of excellence not only for the NAF but also for sister Services and civilian agencies. Currently, three officers from the Nigerian Army, two from the Nigerian Navy, and two personnel from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are on the Flight Safety Officers’ Course. The next course is expected to attract even broader participation from other aviation organisations, further reinforcing the Nigerian Air Force’s reputation as a leader in the field.
“It is noteworthy that the Standards and Evaluations Branch recently established a Safety Data Collection and Processing Committee to develop a structured framework for managing safety data across the Service. This initiative marks a strategic shift from reactive safety practices towards a predictive model that prioritises early risk detection and informed decision-making.
“Let me, at this juncture, commend the Chief of Standards and Evaluation and his team for their relentless efforts in monitoring safety activities across the length and breadth of the Nigerian Air Force. Their dedication to ensuring compliance and raising the bar of professionalism across all NAF units is worthy of special recognition. I also applaud their innovation in developing a software application for tracking aircrew medicals, which is a critical enabler of safe operations.
“While much has been achieved, it is clear that more remains to be done. Our strategic vision is to establish a safety system that is agile, resilient, data-driven, and fully integrated into every facet of our operations. We must continue to build capacity, modernise our safety protocols, and reinforce a just culture that encourages open reporting without fear of retribution. I envision a future where fatal accidents involving NAF platforms become nothing more than a distant memory.
“I encourage us all to approach today’s meeting with a sense of purpose and duty. Let us leverage this forum to share insights, address emerging challenges, and craft solutions that will advance the NAF’s safety posture. Let us remember that accidents are not random occurrences—they often result from lapses in communication, decision-making, and oversight. Let us aspire to be the air force that breaks that chain through foresight, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.”
He expressed the hope that the deliberations of the meeting will yield actionable recommendations that will further consolidate its successes and lay a stronger foundation for future progress.
Earlier in his address, the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Air Vice Marshal Olasunkanmi Abidoye, said: “With the support of the CAS, we conducted evaluation visits to 58 units in the first half of 2025 and completed safety inspections in 31.” He further disclosed that safety awareness seminars had been held across multiple commands, reinforcing the culture of safety consciousness.
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