In a landmark move to ensure aviation safety in Nigeria, the Federal Government has unveiled the Flight Data Centre (FDC) under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The facility, launched in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, promises to revolutionise safety oversight by harnessing data to proactively detect risks and prevent incidents.
About The Flight Data Centre
On Wednesday in Abuja, the Federal Government officially launched the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) Flight Data Centre (FDC), marking a major step towards improving aviation safety.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the facility as essential for enhancing safety oversight, detecting risks, and enabling data-driven decision-making to prevent incidents.
“This centre is vital for advancing aviation safety,” Keyamo stated.
“It analyses incidents, monitors flight patterns, human efforts, and mechanical data, thereby providing the NCAA with critical insights to regulate the sector effectively.”
Moreover, the FDC aligns with Keyamo’s five-point agenda, which specifically focuses on safety and modernisation within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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He further emphasised the government’s commitment to digitising operations across sectors.
Additionally, he noted that the facility would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s standing in international aviation safety rankings under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
In addition, Acting Director-General of the NCAA,Chris Najomo, hailed the FDC as a major milestone in meeting global aviation standards.
He explained that Annex 19 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation mandates member states to establish safety data systems.
Consequently, the establishment of the FDC positions Nigeria as a leader in adhering to international best practices.
“The FDC will improve efficiency, reduce costly incidents, and support risk-based oversight, which aligns with international standards and will undoubtedly boost global confidence in Nigerian aviation safety,” Najomo stated.
Notably, the NCAA partnered with APS Aerospace Corporation, leveraging over 100 years of expertise in flight data and cockpit/ATC audio analysis to ensure the facility meets global standards.
Ultimately, the FDC is not just a facility; rather, it represents a turning point, marking Nigeria’s commitment to safer skies and enhanced global competitiveness in aviation safety.
