The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has directed commanders of units and commands where the newly acquired platforms would be deployed to identify hazards associated with its usage.

He also urged them to devise means to manage the risks involved in the arrival and usage of the aircraft.

The Air Chief disclosed this while declaring open the  2023 NAF Safety Review Board meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore, Edward Gabkwet.

It partly read,  “He called for a proactive management of safety in all units and commands and specifically directed operational units where newly acquired aircraft would be domiciled to commence the process of aggressively identifying hazards associated with the arrival and operations of the new platforms and finding ways to manage the risks involved. ”

Abubakar noted that owing to the increasing number of operations the Air Force was conducting, the service could not escape operational hazards.

He said,  “We are aware that an increase in operational tempo will lead to an increase in hazards associated with our operations in line with ICAO’s postulation that hazards are the by-products of production or operational activities.”

Abubakar,  however,  stated that safety management in the Air Force is a major priority and core function given the technical and complex nature of assigned tasks and roles of the Service.

“The NAF is fully committed to developing, implementing, and reviewing policies to ensure that NAF operations and other activities are conducted in a safe environment.

“I expect us to redouble our commitment in this regard to ensure that as an organisation and as individuals, every NAF Unit and personnel have the responsibility to ensure that safety practices and standards are maintained in all activities,” the statement added.

Source: The Punch