By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced a comprehensive review of its Personnel Licensing (PEL) examinations to align assessment standards with emerging aviation technologies, changing regulations and international safety requirements.
The review is aimed at improving the competence of aviation professionals, including pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers and air traffic controllers, whose technical knowledge and skills are critical to safe flight operations.
The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, disclosed this in Lagos on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the opening of a five-day workshop organised by the NCAA Personnel Licensing Examination Committee.
Najomo, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff, said the workshop, themed “Transforming Personnel Licensing Through Computer-Based Testing,” would strengthen examination quality and modernise the assessment process.
He outlined three key priorities for the review: revising existing examination questions, developing new questions to reflect emerging aviation technologies and operational demands, and ensuring compliance with national regulations and international standards.
These include the requirements of Annex 1 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which establishes international standards for the licensing of aviation personnel.
According to Najomo, the Personnel Licensing Examination Committee was established to support the authority’s examination functions, including the development, administration and periodic revision of tests for issuing licences, certificates and ratings under Part 2 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
He stressed that the committee’s responsibilities required technical expertise, integrity and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations because the examinations directly influence the competence of professionals working across the industry.
Najomo said examination questions must be accurate, objective, fair and consistent with approved training syllabuses to ensure that personnel licensing decisions reflect the required professional standards.
He added that Nigeria’s expanding aviation industry, characterised by the growth of operators, airports and training organisations, had increased the need for competent personnel and dependable assessment systems.
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The Director-General urged committee members to use the workshop to improve examination standards and contribute to a safer, more efficient aviation industry.
The workshop is expected to facilitate the review and updating of examination questions across various personnel licensing categories while supporting the transition towards computer-based testing.
Participants include members of the Examination Committee, aviation safety inspectors, licence examiners, industry subject matter experts and representatives of Approved Training Organisations.
The exercise will also support the development of new questions covering modern-generation aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aircraft, reflecting technological changes and the evolving operational requirements of the aviation industry.
The initiative comes as aviation regulators face growing demands to ensure that personnel qualifications keep pace with advances in aircraft systems, digital technologies and flight operations.
By improving examination content and assessment methods, the NCAA aims to strengthen the reliability of the licensing process and ensure that aviation professionals possess the knowledge required to perform their duties safely.
The outcome of the review is expected to contribute to improved personnel competency, stronger regulatory compliance and enhanced aviation safety in Nigeria.
