From Abdulmumini Ashiru
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced implementation of Electronic Master Plan for Inspections and Certification (EMPIC) system on personnel licensing and medical certification that will reduce delays in aviation licensing through a centralized database.
This was made known by the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, during the PEL/MED Go-Live stakeholders engagement held at the NCAA Lagos Regional Office in Lagos
He described the EMPIC Personnel Licensing/Medical Certification (PEL/MED) Initiative as a key milestone in the NCAA’s drive to modernise aviation regulatory oversight and strengthen the industry’s regulatory framework.
According to the DGCA, the EMPIC software system, which represents the first phase of NCAA’s broader digital transformation programme, will enhance efficiency through real-time services, reduced administrative processes, improved data integrity, and alignment with global best practices, covering both personnel and organisational certification processes.
In his welcome address, the Director of Airworthiness Standards, who also doubles as the EMPIC Focal Point and Chairman of the Flight Standards Group (FSG), Engr. Godwin Balang, expressed deep satisfaction with the transition from paper-based processes to a digital system, noting that the EMPIC platform will simplify licensing procedures and allow stakeholders to access services remotely, thereby improving efficiency.
The engagement had in attendance representatives of airlines, Approved Training Organizations (ATOs), Authorised Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs), industry associations, and other key stakeholders.
Senior NCAA officials present included the Director, Legal Services/Company Secretary, Barr (Mrs) Mary Tufano-Eche; the Director, Air Transport Regulation, Mrs Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe; among other members of staff.
