Nigeria Achieves Record 91% Score in ICAO Aviation Safety Audit
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Nigeria secured an impressive 91 percent score in the recently concluded safety audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This announcement was made yesterday in Abuja, where Keyamo was joined by key industry stakeholders, including the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, and the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), along with various airline operators.
Significant Improvement from Previous Audit Results
The new rating represents a substantial upward increase from the 73 percent Effective Implementation (EI) score that Nigeria received in its 2023 safety audit. Keyamo highlighted this progress, stating, "In 2023, Nigeria scored 73 per cent, which is considered to be very low and this affected the rating of our airlines. But after three years of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with support from the NCAA, FAAN, and NAMA, Nigeria, for the first time since 1960, recorded the highest score in terms of safety, achieving 91.4 percent."
He attributed this remarkable feat to the deliberate policies and initiatives implemented by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, which have provided crucial support to the aviation sector. Keyamo noted that ICAO is very pleased with the advancements in the Nigerian aviation industry, reflecting a positive international outlook.
Minister Commends Aviation Agencies and Outlines Strategic Efforts
In his address, Keyamo commended the heads of aviation agencies for their roles in this achievement. He disclosed that the ministry, under his leadership, established a central committee over the last two years to address the shortcomings highlighted by the previous audit score. This committee was formed because stakeholders were not satisfied with the earlier results, and it has played a pivotal role in driving improvements across safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
The minister emphasized that the enhanced score is a testament to the collaborative efforts between government bodies and industry players, ensuring that Nigeria's aviation standards meet global benchmarks. This development is expected to boost confidence among airlines and passengers, potentially leading to increased investment and growth in the sector.
Overall, Nigeria's performance in the ICAO safety audit marks a historic milestone, showcasing the country's commitment to enhancing aviation safety and aligning with international standards for the first time in over six decades.
