ICPD partners NCAA to uplift African Aviation industry

International Centre for Protocol and Diplomacy (ICPD) UK and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have joined forces to uplift the African aviation industry. Supported by Nigerian consultancy Nick Peace Ltd, the collaboration has led to the successful hosting of an Advanced Training and Capacity Building Programme. A statement by Ken Patricia-Divine, Director, ICPD, Uk, said the event, held in Enugu, brought together industry experts and stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices in aviation protocol and diplomacy. In his opening address, Captain Chris Najomo, Director-General of the NCAA, represented by Engr Godwin Balang, Director Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving an enviable aviation sector in Africa.
“The Authority’s vision is not merely to enforce compliance but to inspire a compliance culture rooted in sound ethics, proactive governance, and adaptive leadership,” he said. Themed “Navigating Global Events, Corporate Ethics, and Ensuring Compliance and Resilience in Air Travel”, the event, held to celebrate NCAA’s 25th anniversary, marked a transformative moment for Africa’s aviation sector. The two-day programme brought together regulators, industry professionals, and global experts to tackle pressing challenges in compliance, resilience, and corporate diplomacy. Dr. Aghadinazu Rebecca, Director of Corporate Services at NCAA, delivered a compelling welcome address titled, “Aviation is constantly shaped by global events, evolving technologies, and complex regulatory demands.”
“Through this training, we aim to deepen understanding of corporate governance, enhance compliance culture, and position Nigeria as a resilient aviation hub in Africa and beyond,” she said. Also, echoing this bision, Kenneth-Divine, said: “This is a pivotal moment for aviation in Africa. Our goal is to build bridges between nations, industries, and ideas.”
The keynote address by Her Excellency Amb. Saroja Sirisena, Advisory Board member of ICPD and former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, highlighted the critical role of corporate diplomacy in fostering stakeholder trust and navigating global challenges. The programme also celebrated the transformative leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), whose bold reforms have revitalized Nigeria’s aviation sector, strengthening safety, compliance, and global competitiveness. The programme covered cutting-edge topics, from global thought leaders, like. Jean-Luc Meier, Founder of SRC Strategic Relations Counselling, shared best practices in corporate diplomacy, while Helen Ejiro, Head of International Relations at the African School of Value and Leadership, highlighted AI’s role in predictive analytics and real-time monitoring. Dr. Chidi Maduka and Ms Chidera Okonji provided insights into managing global events and crises, corporate ethics,equipping participants with tools to navigate a complex industry.