The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has renewed the aerodrome certificates for Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The certificates, which expired four years ago, were presented to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Friday in Abuja by NCAA’s Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo.
He highlighted the importance of the renewal and its alignment with international aviation standards.
Capt. Najomo explained that the certification process, initially introduced in March 2001 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), requires international airports to meet rigorous safety and operational standards.
Nigeria first certified MMIA and NAIA in 2017, with certificates valid for three years.
The expiration of these certificates in November 2020 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a six-month extension.
During this period, FAAN was tasked with addressing 136 corrective action items for MMIA and 29 for NAIA to meet certification requirements.
“Since then, NCAA and FAAN have worked tirelessly to close the critical certification findings,” Capt. Najomo said.
“The renewal of these aerodrome certificates is a testament to their compliance with minimum certification and operational standards based on risk assessment and corrective action plans.”
While celebrating the milestone, Capt. Najomo emphasized that the renewed certifications do not indicate full compliance with all safety standards but rather adherence to minimum requirements.
He urged FAAN to maintain and enhance safety and operational standards to ensure seamless renewal processes in the future.
“As the regulatory body, we remain committed to ensuring that our airports meet the highest safety and security standards.
We will continue working with airport operators to ensure consistent compliance with international best practices,” Najomo said.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to meeting international standards.
She announced plans to certify Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu international airports in the coming year.
“This accomplishment reflects our commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience,” Kuku said.
“The recertification process is not a mere formality but a rigorous assessment of facilities to align with ICAO Annex 14 on aerodromes.”
Bayode Boluwaji, Acting General Manager of Aerodromes at NCAA, highlighted the broader implications of the certifications for Nigeria’s global aviation standing.
“Our rating will naturally improve with this recertification, as it demonstrates compliance with ICAO regulations,” Boluwaji noted.
