Nigerian airlines have been urged to accelerate the implementation of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Document 10106, as industry stakeholders warn that delayed compliance could weaken operational efficiency, safety oversight and the competitiveness of the country’s aviation sector.
The call comes as global airlines increasingly adopt competency-based operational frameworks to improve flight safety, enhance decision-making and align with evolving international aviation standards.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Flight Dispatchers Association of Nigeria (FLIDAN) in Lagos, David Olatunji, the association’s secretary, said domestic carriers should move swiftly to integrate the ICAO framework into their flight operations to strengthen operational resilience and maintain global best practices.
ICAO Document 10106 introduces a competency-based training and assessment model for flight dispatchers, replacing traditional classroom-focused approaches with practical evaluations that measure operational judgement, technical competence and real-time decision-making capabilities.
The framework is designed to strengthen the role of flight dispatchers, who work alongside pilots in monitoring weather conditions, determining fuel requirements, assessing operational risks and supporting flight planning before aircraft departures.
According to FLIDAN, many airline Operations Control Centres (OCCs) in Nigeria still require significant upgrades in operational infrastructure, dispatcher participation in safety management and collaborative operational decision-making.
The association said improving these areas would enhance flight planning, operational control and overall airline safety while reducing operational risks.
Olatunji called on airlines to fully integrate dispatch operations into their Safety Management Systems (SMS), introduce competency-based training programmes and provide dispatch personnel with the authority, technology and operational resources required to perform their safety-critical responsibilities effectively.
He noted that stronger dispatch capabilities have become increasingly important as airlines seek to improve operational reliability, minimise disruptions and comply with international regulatory expectations.
FLIDAN said global carriers are investing heavily in advanced operational control systems and dispatcher training as part of broader efforts to improve safety performance and operational efficiency in an increasingly complex aviation environment.
The association warned that Nigerian operators risk falling behind international standards if they fail to modernise dispatch operations and strengthen their operational control centres.
Industry stakeholders believe wider adoption of ICAO’s competency-based framework would improve confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector, support regulatory compliance and enhance the country’s reputation among international aviation partners.
FLIDAN also called for stronger collaboration between airlines, regulators and aviation professionals to ensure consistent implementation of global standards across the industry.
The association said continuous investment in training, technology and operational systems would be essential to building a more resilient aviation sector capable of supporting long-term industry growth.
As Nigeria continues to pursue aviation sector reforms and stronger regional connectivity, industry experts say implementing ICAO Document 10106 represents more than regulatory compliance. They argue it is a strategic investment in operational excellence that can improve airline performance, strengthen safety oversight and position Nigerian carriers more competitively within the global aviation industry.
