In a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have successfully completed the recertification of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
This milestone was marked by a formal presentation ceremony held at the NCAA Headquarters in Abuja, attended by key stakeholders, industry leaders, and dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, expressed her pride and gratitude to all involved in achieving this feat.
“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every individual involved in this extensive process,” she stated.
Kuku highlighted that the recertification marks the restoration of the airports’ aerodrome certificates, which had been inactive since 2020.
She underscored that this development is vital in enhancing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and ensuring compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
The FAAN Boss also acknowledged the challenges faced during the recertification process, including improvements to runways and taxiways, as well as airfield lighting systems. She commended the efforts of FAAN’s airport managers and their teams, noting their “unwavering dedication” to meeting international benchmarks.
The Acting Director General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, provided historical context, recalling that the ICAO introduced mandatory aerodrome certification for international airports in 2003.
Nigeria first certified the NAIA and MMIA in 2017, with those certificates expiring in 2020.
A six-month extension was granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which FAAN was tasked with addressing 136 corrective action points for MMIA and 29 for NAIA.
The Najomo lauded the collaboration between FAAN and NCAA teams in closing these critical gaps.
While celebrating the achievement, the DG emphasised that the recertification is not an indication of full compliance but a recognition of meeting minimum standards and presenting an acceptable Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
“This event marks an important milestone in our journey toward achieving excellence in aviation safety and security,” he stated, reiterating the importance of continuous improvement.
Both leaders expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for their visionary leadership and support.
Kuku noted how President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with FAAN’s mission to revitalize the aviation sector, while Najomo acknowledged the Minister’s Five-Point Agenda as a roadmap for safety, security, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement.
As part of the event, attention was drawn to the ongoing improvements to Lagos’ Runway 18R, alongside taxiways A, B, and C, and the main runway in Abuja.
These upgrades are expected to enhance operational efficiency and passenger safety.
Capt. Najomo also announced NCAA’s plans for a second phase of certification, aimed at including other airports in compliance with ICAO standards.
He urged FAAN to maintain high safety standards and commended the efforts of the certification team under the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, describing their work as “truly commendable.”
The ceremony concluded with a shared commitment from both agencies to uphold international best practices and ensure continuous improvements in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This achievement is not the end but the beginning of a journey toward greater excellence,” Mrs. Kuku affirmed.
