In a landmark move for Nigeria's aviation sector, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially certified two major international airports. The regulatory body presented aerodrome certificates for Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) and Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, marking a significant step in the country's aviation safety journey.
A Century in the Making: A Milestone Achievement
This certification comes in the year the NCAA marks one hundred years since its establishment. The Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, personally handed the certificates to the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku. He emphasized that this action represents a major step toward strengthening aviation safety and regulatory compliance across Nigeria.
Captain Najomo detailed that the certification was not a swift decision but the result of months of rigorous inspections and regulatory engagements. During this period, the NCAA issued Corrective Action Notices to FAAN, which then developed, submitted, and implemented detailed Corrective Action Plans to address all identified gaps at the two airports.
The Rigorous Path to Certification
The entire process was meticulously conducted in alignment with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, Part 12, Volume I. These regulations domesticate the stringent International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 14, Volume I standards. Najomo confirmed that both MAKIA and the Port Harcourt airport have now conclusively met the required safety standards, operate fully compliant procedures, and possess functional safety management systems, with no significant safety concerns left unresolved.
With these new certifications, the number of internationally certified airports in Nigeria has risen to four. The previously certified airports are Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The NCAA boss confirmed that efforts are already in motion to certify the remaining designated international airports in Enugu and Maiduguri as soon as possible.
Impact and Future Commitment
Explaining the broader significance, Najomo stated that aerodrome certification is a globally recognised assurance of safety and operational compliance. He highlighted tangible benefits, including improved risk profiles for the airports, enhanced investor confidence, and the potential for more favourable insurance terms for airlines and service providers. Crucially, he stressed that certification is not an end in itself but the beginning of a continuous cycle of compliance and safety improvement.
In her response, FAAN's Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, hailed the achievement as a testament to resilience, dedication, and strong inter-agency cooperation. She acknowledged the challenging process, which involved detailed inspections and the collaborative implementation of corrective plans with the NCAA.
Kuku outlined key upgrades undertaken to meet the strict standards, which included:
- Runway rehabilitation works.
- Implementation of a robust safety management system.
- Strengthening of emergency response capabilities, including firefighting equipment and medical response planning.
She assured the NCAA of FAAN's unwavering commitment to resolving all outstanding items from the corrective action plans, with dedicated teams activated to address pending issues urgently.
FAAN positions this dual certification as a strategic milestone for Nigeria's aviation growth. It is expected to boost airline confidence, assure passengers of enhanced safety standards, and significantly improve Nigeria's standing in the global aviation community.
