(Juba) – South Sudan has signed a new cooperation agreement with Nigeria’s leading aviation training institution to build technical and professional skills in its civil aviation sector. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised between the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA) and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), located in Zaria, Kaduna State.
This development follows a directive from President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who has emphasised the need to raise aviation standards in South Sudan through strategic regional partnerships. The initiative forms part of broader national efforts to enhance institutional capacity and strengthen vital infrastructure.
A South Sudanese delegation, led by SSCAA Director General Hon. John Woja Eliana, visited NCAT to assess its facilities and training capabilities. The team was given a guided tour of the campus, which included a review of the college’s curriculum, training simulators, and aviation laboratories.
The visiting officials expressed confidence in NCAT’s ability to meet South Sudan’s needs, noting the quality of its equipment and the experience of its instructional staff. NCAT is widely recognised as one of West Africa’s top aviation training centres, with a long history of producing skilled personnel for the continent’s airline and airport operations.
Dr. Danjuma Ismaila, NCAT’s rector and chief executive, welcomed the South Sudanese team and commended the decision to work together. He stated that NCAT offers a wide range of courses that can be customised to address specific gaps in aviation safety, maintenance, air traffic control, airport management, and flight operations.
A full course catalogue was shared with the delegation, offering a basis for planning upcoming training schedules. Both parties agreed to begin implementing the agreement immediately, with South Sudanese trainees expected to arrive in Nigeria in the near future.
The MoU represents an important step for South Sudan, which continues to rebuild its public services and infrastructure following years of instability. Safe and reliable air transport is considered vital to economic development, humanitarian access, and regional connectivity, particularly given South Sudan’s vast territory and limited road infrastructure.
Improving aviation skills will support the country’s broader ambitions to meet international safety standards, attract more flights, and increase domestic and international air traffic. The partnership with NCAT is intended to help South Sudan develop a qualified aviation workforce that can manage airport operations, ensure aircraft safety, and support regulatory enforcement in line with global norms.
While no specific funding figures were disclosed, overseas training involves significant investment in human capital.
The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority has said it will work with relevant ministries and international partners to ensure that the training programme is well supported and sustainable. Additional areas of cooperation may include aircraft maintenance, safety inspections, and air navigation systems.
The new training agreement adds to recent efforts by South Sudan to improve airport facilities, adopt modern safety practices, and boost the country’s aviation profile within the East African region.
