Aviation Experts Emphasize Recognition, Motivation for Behind-the-Scenes Personnel at ACI Aviation Safety Week

Rep. MD FAAN, GM Safety, guest speakers, panelists and awardees in a group photograph

Aviation stakeholders say, to ensure continuous safety in the industry acknowledging the contributions of staff working behind the scenes is vital in maintaining their motivation and dedication.

According to them, this would instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work, ultimately leading to improved safety.

They stated this at the just concluded, Airport Council International, ACI, Aviation Safety Week organized by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN Safety Department in Lagos.

The theme of the Safety Week is: “Promoting Staff Working Behind the scene for Aviation Safety”.

In ensuring air safety, many professionals work tirelessly to make the highest level of safety in line with global standards and recommended practices.

Some of these professionals are often not seen but they work behind the scenes to ensure those seen succeed.

These professionals apart from the pilots, cabin crew are the air traffic controllers, maintenance engineers, Meteorologists, safety inspectors, ground crews amongst others.

These groups of professionals, the General Manager Safety Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Mr. Nath Inajoh described as the unsung heroes of safety.

“With the success that they achieve behind the scenes that ensure that those of us who engage with the public succeed in what we do. These are the people we like to talk about and celebrate”.

The Managing Director FAAN Mr. Kabir Mohammed said, those who work backstage to ensure that there is zero harm and casualties must be commended.

Represented by the Director, Security FAAN, Mr. Usman Sadiq, Mr. Kabir stressed that, their unwavering commitment dedication and expertise deserved to be recognized.

“I sincerely appreciate your time and effort and value even more your future support in taking safety in the aviation sphere to the next level”.

An aviation security expert, Dr. Hope Bassey stressed the need for adequate manpower, addressing it as a potential threat to safety if not promptly handled.
She called for more hands in effectively securing the passengers and the integrity of the entire aviation ecosystem.

“Sometimes they due, you are not even aware why? Because of stress, terrible stress so, we have to mitigate the hazards in the industry”.

Other resource persons, Mr. Abdullahi Umar and Olugbenga Taiwo also shared insight at the event.

“That is why we must appreciate the people who work hard to keep us safe anytime we fly, one of this group is the emergency planning, rescue and fire fighting personnel, they are the heroes always ready to respond to emergencies”.
“It is very important that they are properly trained”.

Panelists at the gathering proposed several incentives for motivating these professionals, including adequate insurance cover, competitive pay, access to necessary working tools, reduced working hours, and awards with token rewards.

Speaking on the topic: Occupational Health and Safety/Mental Health Awareness, Dr. Temilade Adeniyi noted that, recognizing and addressing mental health concerns is crucial for maintaining the well-being and performance of aviation personnel.

Highlights of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence to the FAAN MD, guest speakers and hardworking personnel behind the scenes.

The Safety Week was held simultaneously across airports in the country, underlining the industry’s commitment to prioritizing safety.