By Laide Akinboade
ABUJA— Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, yesterday, said the two recent fatal air crashes involving two Nigerian carriers showed that air safety was not a destination but a process that requires systematic improvement.
She spoke while declaring open the African Ministerial Meeting on Aviation Safety, organised by the ministry in collaboration with African Union, AU; African Civil Aviation Commission and International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, in Abuja.
She said yesterday's meeting, comprising aviation regulators and administrators, eminent aviators and aviation experts, was expected to come up with recommendations for the Ministers' session that is expected to start tomorrow.
She said: "The two recent air accidents we had involving two Nigerian carriers show that safety is not a destination, but a process which requires continuous enhancement.
"As you are all aware, Africa, based on the number of accidents per million departures, has a rather unimpressive rating on aviation safety, compared to other regions.
"I have no doubt that as aviation experts, this situation is of great concern to us. This is why I am convinced that in the next two days you will come up with strong and practicable recommendations for the Ministers' Session starting on July 19.
"I, however, believe that the issue of safety in Africa does not only need the total commitment of member states, but also collaboration amongst member states to build adequate capacity for safety oversight culture in the region.
"I made it clear to the Nigerian airline operators the need for collaboration and development of safety culture, which must make them think safety, and fly safely. This is the culture that will lead to growth and development of sustainable air transport industry in Africa."
Vanguard Nigeria