NIGERIA, in far away Montreal, Canada, yesterday became the focus of global attention as the Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Olusegun Demuren, was elected as President of the General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Two other Nigerians, Dr. Olumuyiwa Aliu and Dr. Folasade Odutola, are already on ICAO Council as Nigeria’s representatives.
The ICAO is the United Nations global aviation agency responsible for regulating global civil aviation and prescribing minimum safety requirements for contracting states.
With his emergence, Demuren became the first African to be so elected by the aviation highest regulatory body. He is expected to preside over the 37th General Assembly of ICAO holding in Montreal, Canada, from Tuesday to October 8, 2010.
The appointment was endorsed by all the delegates from the 190 contracting states of ICAO in attendance.
The 37th General Assembly will discuss the latest issues in aviation safety, aviation security and the environment.
In attendance will be ministers responsible for civil aviation authorities from all the 190 contracting states, aircraft manufacturers, International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airport Council International (ACI) and other aviation industry stakeholders.
The minister of Aviation, Fidelia Njeze, is at the head of the Federal Government delegation to the assembly.
The delegates cut across chief executive officers and top management staff of aviation agencies.
Nigeria has maintained high level of security and regulations in aviation industry, culminating in the granting of Category One aviation status, which is United States (U.S.) highest aviation safety status. The feat placed Nigeria on the top echelon of aviation safety and repositioned the industry as well as helped to save the country from imminent embarrassment.
Since his appointment in 2005 after series of accidents that claimed several souls, Demuren has ensured that airlines comply with laid down regulations, embark on constant checks and recapitalisation among other far-reaching safety initiatives.
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