The President of Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN), Dr Ibrahim Audu has said that significant milestones have been achieved towards strengthening the profession and aligning operational standards with global best practices.
Demonstrating purposeful leadership, strategic engagement, and commitment to the advancement of Aeronautical Information Management in the past two years, Dr Audu, in his message to mark the World AIS DAY (WAISD2026) celebration, explained, that with sustained engagements, technical consultations, and strategic advocacy, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), “recommend for AIM Certification instead of licensing benchmarking some countries currently operating the system like Kenya
Dr Audu, stated that this feat followed the setting up of the Licensing Committee
chaired by Comrade Afatakpa Patrick with the task of pursuing professional licensing recognition for AIM professionals in Nigeria.
According to the AIMAN boss, “this development represents a historic breakthrough for the profession, as it will formally recognize and regulate AIM personnel in line with international aviation standards and best practices.
Dr Audu explained, that it will further enhance professionalism within the AIM sector, improve operational efficiency and safety standards and promote career progression and competency development for AIM personnel
Other benefits include to align Nigeria’s AIM operations with ICAO global requirements, strengthen regulatory oversight and certification standards for AIM professionals.
According to Dr Audu, under his leadership, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo approved the implementation of the NCAA-approved AIM/CHART and Quality Management System (QMS) organogram structure in line with ICAO standards.
“This initiative became necessary following observations and recommendations made during the 2023 ICAO Audit, which highlighted the need for structural reforms and operational alignment within the AIM framework”
AIMAN boss revealed that NAMA management has already recommended the importance of implementing the new structure to the Ministry adding that the proposal was awaiting final response and implementation directives from the Ministry.
According to him, upon implementation, the restructuring will create specialized operational departments aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and international compliance.
When implemented he informed, the current designation of GM AIS will transit to GM AIM OPS, reflecting the global shift from AIS to AIM operations as prescribed by ICAO standards.
According to It will create room for GM publications and GM International NOTAM (NOF) and GM QMS.
Dr Audu said, these achievements in two years, underscored his visionary and reform-driven leadership as the AIMAN President.
“The administration has continued to position AIM professionals for greater recognition, improved operational standards, and stronger institutional relevance within Nigeria’s aviation industry”
According to Dr Audu, the progress recorded so far has laid a solid foundation for future advancements and demonstrated a firm commitment to professionalism, international compliance, and sustainable development within the AIM community.
The theme for this year’s World AIS Day celebration is: ‘The Essence of Automation in AIS system; Nigeria context’
Meanwhile, the AIMAN President has regretted that paucity of funds has affected the activities of the Association, especially during the this year’s WAISD celebrations leading to it’s commemoration in various stations.
While calling on members for understanding on the current increase in membership due which was a result of the country’s economic situation, Dr Audu explained that it was
taken in the interest of both members and the profession.
He said the action action was taken in order to have additional fund to manage the coordination of activities in the associationto ensure that fund to host the AGM and election slated for year will be well conducted.
He urged members to improve on their performance in the field to raise the profile of the profession to meet the operational safety target, based on the ICAO standards and recommended practices
Dr Audu, however cautioned members to develop themselves in order to improve on their performance especially with the huge of fund the management spends on training and retraining of personnel
appreciated all the support by members for the executives and promised not to disappoint them.
