NCAA and NSIB Inaugurate SMS PRO System to Strengthen Aviation Safety

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has inaugurated the Safety Management System (SMS) Pro system to enhance aviation safety oversight in Nigeria.

The platform, a centralized safety data management system designed to address gaps identified in previous ICAO audits, including fragmented data and inconsistent reporting across the sector, is to improve hazard reporting, data analysis, and regulatory compliance ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) validation mission scheduled for April 2026.

Speaking during the inauguration held at the Authority’s Corporate Headquarters on March 16, 2026, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo described SMS Pro as a critical tool for strengthening Nigeria’s safety oversight system as well as supporting 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 emphasized the urgency of full implementation ahead of the 2026 ICAO validation mission.

The inauguration of SMS Pro marks 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.