NAF Introduces Maiden Safety Management Systems Training for Senior Officers
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced its inaugural Safety Management Systems (SMS) training for senior officers, marking a major step toward strengthening safety oversight and risk management within the Service. The two-day capacity-building workshop, held from 9 to 10 December 2025, was organised in partnership with Asfaro Edu Safety Consult and is in line with directives issued by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
The training follows recommendations made during the July 2025 Safety Review Board meeting, which emphasised the need to institutionalise SMS awareness at NAF’s top leadership level.
Speaking at the opening session, Air Marshal Aneke underscored the importance of the initiative in advancing operational safety and decision-making. “Safety is not just a procedure; it is leadership in action. This training reflects our resolve to anticipate risks, manage them early and safeguard our personnel, platforms and mission outcomes,” he stated.
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The Superintendent of Standards and Evaluation, Air Vice Marshal Ebimobo Ebiowe, who declared the workshop open, described the programme as central to the CAS’s drive for a more proactive and data-driven safety culture across all NAF formations.
According to him, the Service is shifting from a purely preventive safety model to a predictive framework that integrates risk management into planning and execution. He highlighted the four pillars of SMS—Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance and Safety Promotion—as the foundation for this transition.
“We are building a safety architecture that sees ahead, learns ahead and acts ahead. Senior commanders will spearhead SMS application at all levels to ensure consistency, reporting integrity and improved operational resilience,” AVM Ebiowe said.
He encouraged participants to incorporate SMS concepts into command decisions and daily operations, expressing confidence that the training would enhance safety reporting, strengthen compliance in aviation, ground and administrative activities, and boost the NAF’s overall safety posture.
AVM Ebiowe also urged attendees to engage actively, exchange ideas and champion a culture of vigilance, transparency and continuous improvement throughout the Service.
By PRNigeria
