By Sade Williams
The Society of Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers of Nigeria (SLAMEN) has called on government and industry stakeholders to support the development of aircraft maintenance infrastructure and training programs in Nigeria.
The association’s president, Engr. Mubarak Haladu, who made the call on the sidelines of t celebration of the International Aircraft Engineers Day, said there are quite a lot of qualified aircraft maintenance engineers in the country without employment.
He lamented that these engineers are required to be absorbed by either Airlines Approved Maintenance Organizations but Nigeria is yet to have a standard, equipped Hangar facility.
“Again, they can be employed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) which we also do not have. We need establishment of multiple maintenance facilities and airlines to employ the qualified unemployed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in the country.
“We believe that investing in aircraft maintenance will not only improve safety, boost the growth of the industry and also save forex for Nigeria; the amount of foreign currencies that end up abroad via aircraft maintenance can boost the already weakened economy of Nigeria” said the professional body’s President, Engr Mubarak Haladu.
During the ceremony, the association honoured the dedication and expertise of its members and the entire aircraft maintenance community worldwide.as it recognises the critical role of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the industry.
“We are proud to celebrate the dedication and expertise of our members who work diligently to keep the flying public safe. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are the unsung heroes of the aviation industry, and we are grateful for their hard work and commitment to excellence and service.”, Haladu said.
To mark this occasion, SLAMEN organised series of events, including a symposium on aircraft maintenance best practices, a training session on new technologies, and an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding contributions to the profession.
The Society of Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers of Nigeria (SLAMEN) is the professional organization for all practicing Aircraft Engineers in Nigeria.
With a strength of about four thousand (4000) Licensed Aircraft Engineers, the Society provides members with professional education through seminars, workshops, etc.
The Society is an affiliate of the Aircraft Engineers International (ΑΕΙ) with headquarters in Belgium. With AEI only concerning itself with the interests of air safety, aviation maintenance and maintenance qualified personnel throughout the world.
