The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has announced a significant leap in the country’s aviation safety standards following recognition by the International Civil Aviation Organization for improvements in aerodrome operations and ground aids.
In a press release dated April 24, 2026, FAAN disclosed that Nigeria recorded notable progress under the 2026 Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM), with its overall Effective Implementation (EI) score rising sharply from 70.23 per cent to 91.45 per cent. This places the country well above the global average of 70.4 per cent and signals a strong move toward full compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
According to the Authority, the most remarkable gains were recorded in the Aerodrome and Ground Aids (AGA) category, where Nigeria’s score surged from 57.5 per cent in the 2023 Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) to a preliminary 95.16 per cent as of April 2026. The 37.9 per cent increase reflects sustained reforms across the nation’s aviation safety systems.
FAAN noted that the progress has culminated in the certification and recertification of all five international airports in Nigeria, attributing the achievement to years of targeted investments in infrastructure, enhanced personnel training, improved documentation, and strengthened safety oversight mechanisms.
The recent certification of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority marks a historic milestone, as Nigeria has now, for the first time, secured full certification for all its international airports—placing it ahead of many African countries, where only about half of such facilities meet certification standards.
The development, FAAN said, positions Nigeria for potential ICAO Safety Recognition at the organisation’s next Assembly and reinforces the country’s steady alignment with global aviation best practices.
The Authority attributed the success to collaborative efforts across the aviation ecosystem and acknowledged the policy direction of the Federal Government. It also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his support, as well as the Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Ona Najomo, for strengthening regulatory oversight through a collaborative approach.
FAAN reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining a safe, secure, and efficient airport system that meets and exceeds global expectations, as Nigeria continues to consolidate its position within the international aviation community.
