The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), rigorous standard and professional guidance ensure that their training programmes meet international benchmarks.

Mr Aneke stated this at the graduation at Air Traffic Services Training Centre(ATSTC), NIgerian Air Force, on Friday in Kaduna.

Mr Aneke was represented by the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command(AOC), AVM Ahmed Dari.

He said, “Our graduates are equipped to operate in any aviation environment globally. Today marks the culmination of months of rigorous training, unwavering dedication, and exceptional commitment to excellence.

“We gather to witness the graduation of three distinct courses: the Standard Flight Dispatch Operations Course 1/2025, the Air Traffic Control Assistance Course 23/2025, and the Base Operations Course 20/2025.”

Mr Aneke said that each of the programmes represented a vital pillar in ensuring safe, efficient, and professional aviation operations within the Armed Forces and across the nation’s airspace.

According to him, the standard flight dispatch operations course equips personnel with the skills to plan, coordinate, and monitor flight operations.

Mr Aneke said, “You are the unseen orchestrators of successful missions, ensuring aircraft readiness and safety protocols.”

He said the Air traffic control assistance course develops professionals who are guardians of the sky, guiding pilots, preventing collisions, and managing traffic flow in emergency situations.

The Air chief added, “The responsibility you bear is enormous, and you are now prepared to meet it with competence and confidence.”

He also said that the base operations course produces personnel vital for the seamless functioning of aviation facilities.

“You ensure airfield management, coordination of ground operations, and regulatory compliance.

Your work, while often unnoticed, is critical to the safety of every flight, ” Mr Aneke said.

The air chief said these specialisations formed an integrated system that elevates the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Force and enhances the safety of nation’s airspace.

He added, “The skills you have gained are instruments of national security and safeguards of human life.”

Mr Aneke lauded the staff and instructor of ATST, saying, ” Your dedication to developing world-class aviation professionals is reflected in the caliber of graduates we celebrate today.

He stated, “Your commitment to the highest standards of training ensures that excellence remains paramount in aviation services.”

Mr Aneke appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his  unwavering support of the Armed Forces.

“Your commitment strengthens our national defence capabilities,” he said.

Mr Aneke charged the graduates to continue refining their skills and embody the values of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to safety.

Earlier, the Commandant, ATSTC, AVM Nosiru Folaji, appreciated Mr Aneke for his support to the centre.

Mr Folaji said the centre was open to the civil aviation stakeholders as well as other government MDAs and desiring patrons from the public.

The commandant said, “It is gratifying to note that since its establishment in 2017, the centre had trained over 90 officers in RPAS, IATCO, Airfield Management Rembily Rated Allys as well as Airspace Management courses.

“Additionally, the centre had trained over 1,800 airmen/airwomen in basic/upgrading courses in ATCA, Fire and Base Operations. Others include Marshalling, Radar Surveillance Assistant as well as meteorology upgrading courses.”

He  reminded the  graduands that as they embarked on their new journey in the NAF, they should uphold the values and principles instilled in them during the training.

Mr Folaji noted, “Integrity, discipline, teamwork, and attention to details are not just words, but the very foundation upon which our flight operations are built.”

(NÀN)