The Nigerian Army is strengthening its aviation quality management systems to improve flight safety, aircraft reliability and operational readiness.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, stated this at the opening of the Nigerian Army Aviation Command Workshop on Aviation Quality Management Systems on Monday in Abuja.
Represented by the Chief of Standard and Evaluation, Maj.-Gen. Thompson Ugiagbe, the COAS said the effectiveness of army aviation depended on robust quality management systems.
“The effectiveness and sustainability of these capabilities depend not only on the availability of aircraft and trained personnel, but also on robust quality management systems that ensure safe, standardised and reliable aviation operations,” he said.
Shaibu said aviation operations required the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, standardisation and continuous improvement.
He said the systems would help identify risks, ensure compliance with approved standards and prevent recurring deficiencies.
“As Nigerian Army Aviation continues to expand its operational and technical capabilities, institutionalising such a system is essential to building a resilient aviation organisation and sustaining operational readiness,” he said.
The army chief noted that since the re-establishment of Nigerian Army Aviation in 2014, efforts had been made to develop the platforms, personnel, infrastructure and systems required to support land operations.
He said the workshop would provide an opportunity for participants to examine practical approaches to quality assurance, safety management, maintenance practices, documentation and standardisation.
Shaibu expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce actionable recommendations for institutionalising an effective quality management system across Nigerian Army Aviation.
He urged participants to develop sustainable measures to strengthen aviation safety culture, improve operational processes and enhance the reliability of aviation assets.
Earlier, the Commander, Nigerian Army Aviation Command, Brig.-Gen. Al-Amin Ibrahim said quality management was fundamental to aviation safety, aircraft availability, mission effectiveness and combat readiness.
“For the Nigerian Army Aviation Command, quality is not merely an administrative requirement; it is fundamental to operational safety, aircraft availability, mission effectiveness, accountability and sustained combat readiness,” Ibrahim said.
He said the workshop was designed to establish a structured framework for standardisation, accountability, disciplined documentation, effective monitoring and continuous improvement across the Command.
The commander stressed that quality management should be embraced as a shared responsibility by all personnel involved in aviation operations.
“Quality must also be embraced as a culture. It is not the sole responsibility of an inspectorate or quality assurance office.
“Rather, it is the responsibility of every officer, soldier and civilian staff member involved in planning, flying, maintenance, logistics, administration, training and support,” he said.
Ibrahim said the Command must prioritise preventing deficiencies rather than waiting for them to occur before taking corrective action.
He urged participants to develop practical recommendations with measurable outcomes that could be implemented and monitored across the Command.
“Our emphasis must be on prevention through discipline, effective supervision, risk awareness, adherence to approved procedures, timely reporting and organisational learning,” he said.
Ibrahim added that the proceedings and recommendations would be compiled into a compendium to guide the implementation, monitoring and periodic review of quality management initiatives.
The five-day workshop, which begun on Monday, ends on Friday, brought together stakeholders to strengthen quality management and promote a culture of operational excellence in Nigerian Army Aviation.
