The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA and the Flight Dispatchers Association of Nigeria, FLIDAN are pushing for greater recognition and training for flight dispatchers, describing them as critical to aviation safety.
Speaking at the FLIDAN 2026 Annual Conference, with the theme, “Safety and Efficiency: The Flight Dispatcher ‘s Role”, Director General, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, said flight dispatchers play a vital role in flight planning, operational control and risk management.
Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s Strategic Vision for Dispatcher Safety Training and Integration”, the DGCA, Captain Chris Najomo stressed that the Authority will strengthen oversight, promote recurrent training and integrate dispatchers more fully into airline safety systems.
Captain Najomo represented by the Director, Licensing, Captain Donald Spiff, stressed that the Authority will strengthen oversight, promote recurrent training and integrate dispatchers more fully into airline safety systems.
He noted that while technology and artificial intelligence are transforming aviation, professional judgment remains indispensable.
Also speaking, FLIDAN President, Daniel Ayuba said dispatchers have become strategic partners in flight operations and urged airlines, regulators and training organisations to invest more in their professional development.
In a keynote address, President, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Dr. Alexander Nwuba, described the dispatch release as “the first safety decision of every flight,” lamenting that although Nigeria has about one thousand five hundred licensed dispatchers, fewer than five hundred are currently employed.
Dr. Nwuba represented by Mr. Olu Ohunayo, called for better welfare, stricter enforcement of duty-time limits and greater involvement of dispatchers in airline safety management, warning that “efficiency without safety is recklessness, while safety without efficiency is unsustainable.”
Highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to dignitaries and dispatchers who have distinguished themselves on the job.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen