The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have inaugurated the Safety Management System (SMS) Pro system to enhance aviation safety oversight in Nigeria.
The platform, a centralised safety data management system designed to address gaps identified in previous ICAO audits, including fragmented data and inconsistent reporting across the sector.
It added that the platform would improve hazard reporting, data analysis, and regulatory compliance ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) validation mission scheduled for April 2026.
Speaking during the inauguration held in Abuja, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo described SMS Pro as a critical tool for strengthening Nigeria’s safety oversight system.
He added that it would also support real-time safety data collection, occurrence management, and trend analysis, aligning with ICAO Annex 19 requirements.
While noting that the system would enhance accuracy, accessibility, and timely response to safety risks in the aviation industry, he emphasised the urgency of full implementation ahead of the 2026 ICAO validation mission.
The inauguration of SMS Pro marked a significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to adopting modern technology to improve aviation safety and regulatory compliance.
The system is expected to be extended across the aviation industry, covering airlines, airports, maintenance organizations, training institutions, and air navigation service providers to ensure a unified safety reporting structure.