he Chief of Training, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVM Ahmed Dari, has emphasised the critical role of training, professionalism and collaboration in enhancing aviation safety and operational efficiency in Nigeria.

Dari made the remarks on Friday in Kaduna at the combined graduation ceremony of the maiden Air Traffic Control and Surveillance Radar Course 1/2024 for Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) cadets and the ATCA/Base Operations Upgrading Course 9/2026.

He said the Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC), accredited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as an Approved Training Organisation, had continued to deliver high-quality professional aviation courses.

The AVM noted that the centre commenced the maiden radar course in November 2024 for 20 NAMA Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) cadets, who successfully completed their training.

According to him, competent air traffic controllers are vital to ensuring safe, efficient and orderly flow of air traffic in both civil and military aviation.

Dari added that the training would be followed by on-the-job experience at NAMA facilities across major airports to qualify the graduates for NCAA licensing.

He commended the collaboration between NAF and NAMA, describing it as a strategic partnership that promotes safety, standardisation, innovation and resource sharing within the aviation sector.

“The partnership will further strengthen existing relationships and enhance capacity development in the Nigerian civil aviation industry,” he said.

Dari reiterated NAF’s commitment to sustaining the centre as a hub for excellence in aviation training for both military personnel and civil stakeholders.

He urged the graduates to remain dedicated, uphold professionalism and contribute meaningfully to safe air operations, especially amid current security challenges.

The Chief of Training also congratulated award winners and charged all graduates to be good ambassadors of the institution and justify the confidence reposed in them.

He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Armed Forces, particularly in training and operational capacity building.

Earlier, the Commandant of ATSTC, AVM Nosiru Folaji, described the event as a milestone in the centre’s efforts to strengthen human capacity in aviation.

Folaji said the centre had renewed its NCAA accreditation with additional courses and would continue to provide training for military, civil aviation stakeholders and allied nations.

He noted that the radar course was designed to bridge manpower gaps in the aviation sector caused by retirements and limited training opportunities.

The commandant said the graduates were now equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage aerodrome and approach traffic, including radar surveillance operations.

Folaji urged them to uphold values of integrity, discipline, teamwork and continuous learning in their professional careers.

He also commended instructors and partners, particularly NAMA, for their contributions to the success of the training programmes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event marked the graduation of 20 NAMA ATCO cadets alongside personnel of the ATCA/Base Operations upgrading course.