Lagos, Abuja airports now fully certified by NCAA 

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has fully certified the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja.

Speaking recently during the presentation of certificates to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Abuna, Olubunmi Kuku managing director, FAAN  disclosed that the country’s aerodrome certificates have not been active since 2020.

Kuku said therefore, achieving this recertification is not just remarkable; but a vital step in enhancing the aviation infrastructure, which has long been overdue, adding that the accomplishment is a clear indication of the sector’s commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience for all.

“The recertification process is not merely a formality; it is anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As you may be aware, the ICAO Annexes, particularly Annex 14, which pertains to Aerodromes, provide the framework for ensuring that our airports are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation.

“This process involves rigorous assessments of our facilities, including runway conditions and airfield lighting systems, to ensure compliance with these global standards.

“Specifically, I would like to highlight the ongoing assessments and improvements regarding the two primary runways in Lagos 18R. The runways are crucial for our operations, and their conditions directly influence the efficiency and safety of air traffic.

“We are also focusing our attention on the taxiways A, B, and C, which are vital connectors that facilitate the smooth movement of aircraft on the ground. In Abuja, the primary runway also requires our continued commitment to ensure it continues to meets ICAO standards. Our goal is to enhance these facilities further to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers,” she said.

Kuku said while the country has made commendable strides in the recertification efforts, he emphasised that there is still work to be done.

She said specifically, that some of the country’s runways and airfield lighting systems require further attention to meet the ICAO standards fully, adding that it is crucial that the country continues to prioritize these improvements to enhance the safety and efficiency of our operations.

“We are committed to addressing these challenges head-on, and I assure you that we will allocate the necessary resources to expedite these improvements.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Festus Keyamo, the  Minister of Aviation, for their unwavering support throughout this process.”

Also speaking during the occasion, Chris Najomo, acting director general NCAA, said in March 2001, the ICAO Council adopted a new Standard that required certification of aerodromes used for international operations.

This standard, Najomo said became applicable 27“ November of 2003, adding that Nigeria initially complied with this provision by certifying two international airports in 2017.

According to the DG, the 3-year duration of those certificates lapsed in November 2020 in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations in force then.

“At the expiration of NAIA & MMIA aerodrome certificates, a six (6)month extension was granted to FAAN to operate the aerodromes due to the COVID-19 Pandemic which we all remember had devastating effects on the aviation sector.

“However, the extension was granted on the condition that FAAN resolve all outstanding certification CAP items and complete the re-certification process within the extension period. To be detailed, there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA, so this was no mean feat.

“Since then, NCAA and FAAN got down to the hard work of ensuring closure of the critical certification findings as required by the Regulations.

“I have deliberately taken us down this memory lane in order to have a proper perspective of what is being celebrated here today,” Najomo explained.

He said the ceremony – the renewal of the aerodrome certificates – mark an important milestone in our journey towards achieving excellence in aviation safety and security.

He said it is an attestation to the visionary leadership of Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in particular, and ultimately the President through his Renewed Hope Agenda in general.

“I must reiterate that the presentation of these certificates is not an indication that the airports are 100 percent compliant with safety standards but it is a testament of their compliance with the minimum certification and operating requirements based on risk assessment and presentation of an acceptable Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for continuous implementation by the aerodrome operator.

“The observed non compliances have resulted into applicable restrictions and exemptions to reflect the true status of the aerodromes. In the meantime, the implementation of these CAPs will be monitored by our Safety inspectors through postcertification surveillance activities. Therefore, we are not to rest on our Oars, but rather, leave our sleeves up and keep working,” he added.