Nigeria has recorded 91.4% aviation safety rating following the latest assessment by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM), marking one of its strongest performances in recent years

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who announced the development on Wednesday at his office in Abuja, described it as one of the highest safety ratings Nigeria has achieved under ICAO evaluations since 1960.

He explained that the outcome follows a comprehensive audit in which all aviation agencies and airlines operating in the country were assessed and certified safe based on the findings of the ICAO visiting team.

Keyamo attributed the success to President Tinubu’s deliberate policy and support for the aviation industry.

The ICVM team concluded its on-site safety oversight audit in Nigeria on Wednesday after beginning its review last week.

The exercise was carried out as a follow-up to the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), conducted between August and September 2023.

The ICVM audit is an independent platform that identifies Nigeria’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats that may impact its statutory mandate of safety oversight responsibilities, safe aircraft operations, and public safety.

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NCAA Commends Stakeholders

According to the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, who spoke at a briefing at the authority’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the validation results will be subjected to a different validation by the Safety and Air Navigation Oversight Audit Section.

But he expressed optimism that the ultimate status of the Protocol Questions (PQs) will change positively based on progress made in implementing the corrective actions, evidence collected, and recommendations made.

Najomo commended the auditors – both onsite and remotely – for their professionalism, assuring that Nigeria will consider, review, and implement every recommendation that has been made. 

The NCAA chief thanked Keyamo for the unwavering support towards the success of the high-level exercise.

About three years ago, the country was rated 70% in terms of safety, a mark below global benchmarks. 

According to Najomo, Nigeria went back to the drawing board after the 2023 exercise, conducted root cause analysis, and promptly developed a series of Corrective Action Plans, which were validated by ICAO, thereby providing a clear roadmap for effective implementation.

Tinubu Lauds Feat

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s “impressive” aviation safety rating from the ICAO.

Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bola Onanuga, commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for the feat.

The president said the rating affirms the nation’s aviation safety standards and makes it a more attractive destination for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations.

He asked the ministry not to relent but to review and implement every recommendation that the ICAO auditors made during this mission.

This, the former Lagos governor said, is to ensure that Nigeria not only maintains but also goes even further in the rating.

Tinubu recalled that upon his assumption of office, he identified infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth and established the air transport sector as a major driver for economic prosperity.

According to him, this was only possible by building a safe, secured and efficient aviation industry focused on making Nigeria a hub that meets international standards and best practices beyond even the African continent.

The ICAO is a United Nations agency that coordinates the principles and techniques of international air navigation. It fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth.

Through the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), ICAO assesses countries to ensure they manage safety risks effectively, ensuring that no country is left behind and directly influencing international confidence in that nation’s airspace.

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Nigeria Settling Outstanding Liabilities 

As the new rating is being celebrated, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is already clearing outstanding obligations owed to foreign airlines.

This is part of efforts to strengthen the Nigeria-UK aviation sector relations.

“You’ve seen that since I assumed office, the outstanding liabilities and other hiccups that are hindrances to our relationship are being resolved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and we hope to strengthen all of that,” Onanuga quoted Tinubu as saying during a meeting with a delegation from British Airways.

Tinubu assured the UK of Nigeria’s commitment to deepening economic relations, particularly in the aviation sector and other mutually beneficial areas.

While highlighting the longstanding and productive partnership between both countries, the president noted that Nigeria places great value on its strategic relationship with Britain.

“It is a very great joy to share with you this afternoon. The transformation and strengthening of our relationship over the past 90 years is a milestone worthy of celebration,” Tinubu told them as the airline celebrates 90 years of operations in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is still going through the reforms and transformation of our aviation industry and every aspect of our economy. We must meet global standards and encourage people-to-people connections while promoting the essence of trade and partnership in this sector,” he said.

Relief For Airlines

In the meantime, Keyamo had, on Wednesday, disclosed key Federal Government interventions aimed at reducing the financial pressure on airlines following rising concerns over the cost of Jet A1 fuel and the threat of service disruptions in the aviation sector.

Keyamo stated that President Bola Tinubu had approved a generous discount on certain outstanding fees owed to the government by airline operators.

He explained that the decision is part of efforts to provide immediate relief to the sector and prevent a breakdown in air transport services.