FAAN to keep momentum after Nigeria’s record aviation safety score

By Dickson Omobola

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, on Friday vowed to sustain recent gains in aviation safety as the country positions itself to meet and exceed global standards.

This followed a record-breaking improvement in Nigeria’s aviation safety performance, as acknowledged by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO.

The country’s overall Effective Implementation, EI, score rose from 70.23 per cent to 91.45 per cent under the 2026 Coordinated Validation Mission, ICVM, placing the country above the global average of 70.4 per cent and marking a major leap towards full compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, SARPs.

Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Henry Agbebire, attributed the achievement to the collective resolve of stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem and the strong policy direction of the Federal Government.

Agbebire, in a statement, said: “At the heart of this achievement is the remarkable improvement in the Aerodrome and Ground Aids domain. From a modest 57.5 per cent recorded during the 2023 USOAP audit, impacted by 53 unsatisfactory Protocol Questions, Nigeria has now attained a preliminary score of 95.16 per cent as of April 2026. This 37.90 per cent leap underscores a deliberate and sustained transformation across safety systems.

“Critically, this progress has culminated in the certification and recertification of all five international airports in Nigeria, an outcome that reflects years of focused investment in infrastructure upgrades, rigorous personnel training, strengthened documentation, and enhanced safety oversight mechanisms.

“With the recent certification of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Nigeria has, for the first time in its history, achieved full certification of all its international airports. This milestone places the country significantly ahead of the continental curve, where only about 50 per cent of airports are currently certified.

“This accomplishment affirms Nigeria’s steady trajectory toward global best practices and positions the country for the prestigious ICAO Safety Recognition at the next ICAO Assembly.

“The authority commends the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his unwavering support and leadership in driving sector-wide reforms.

“FAAN also acknowledges the Director General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, whose professionalism and collaborative approach have strengthened regulatory oversight and inter-agency synergy.

“As Nigeria consolidates these gains, FAAN reaffirms its commitment to sustaining a world-class, safe, secure and efficient airport system that meets and exceeds global expectations.”