…Urges adherence to standards

As the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) convene its 2026 first Safety Review Board (SRB) meeting, the Chief of Air Force Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has identified safety of personnel , aircraft, equipment, facilities and vehicles as critical enabler of operational effectiveness, combat readiness and mission success.

Declaring the two-day meeting open on Tuesday, Aneke said “all these must be protected through strict adherence to established safety standards and best practices.”

He said, “It is imperative to recognise that operational success depends fundamentally on safety being an integral component of the processes of planning, decision-making, and execution.”

The CAS said that recent safety incidents and hazard reports underscored the need for improvements in risk assessment, procedural compliance, supervision, maintenance discipline, human factors management, reporting practices, and recognition of personnel.

He said the meeting provided the opportunity to critically assess safety performance, evaluate emerging risks, find areas of improvement, and deliberate on strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing safety awareness across all Nigerian Air Force operations and activities.

According to him, operating within a complex and demanding security environment, the Nigerian Air Force must maintain high levels of professionalism, mission readiness, and decisive air power effectiveness.

The air chief, however, appreciated Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, Commandants of Nigerian Air Force Professional Military Education Institutions, Directors, Command Evaluation Officers, Air Component Commanders, Commanders at all levels and Unit Safety Officers for promoting safety awareness and executing preventive measures throughout the Service.

“The purpose of this Safety Review Board meeting extends beyond reviewing statistics and reports; it is to critically analyse underlying trends, identify systemic deficiencies, and develop practical solutions to prevent future mishaps.

“I urge personnel to embrace a positive safety reporting culture whereby hazards, near misses, and safety concerns are promptly reported without fear of sanctions. This is the essence of the ‘Safety Just Culture’, which the NAF SMS encourages by giving credence to voluntary reporting of hazards/risks.

“Such reports offer valuable lessons that can prevent future incidents and protect both lives and property.”

He urged the gathering to carefully assess current safety posture, identify emerging challenges, and propose innovative strategies to further strengthen the Nigerian Air Force Safety Management System, adding that recommendations arising from the Board should contribute meaningfully to enhancing operational readiness, maintaining combat capability, and safeguarding the NAF’s most valuable resource – personnel.