Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Receives Boost as Lagos and Abuja Airport Aerodromes Receive Certification
Oru Leonard
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has certified the aerodromes of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja. This certification is a significant milestone, coming four years after the last certification in 2020.
Acting Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, presented the certificates to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja. Najomo emphasized that this recertification is a testament to the sector’s commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience.
Highlights of the Certification Process include:
– Rigorous Assessments: The certification process involved thorough evaluations of airport facilities, including runway conditions and airfield lighting systems, to ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
– ICAO Standards: The certification is anchored in the principles established by ICAO, particularly Annex 14, which pertains to aerodromes.
– Runway and Taxiway Improvements: The NCAA is focusing on improving the primary runways in Lagos and Abuja, as well as taxiways A, B, and C, to enhance the efficiency and safety of air traffic.
Challenges and Future Plans:
– Runway and Airfield Lighting Systems: Some of the country’s runways and airfield lighting systems require further attention to meet ICAO standards fully.
– Resource Allocation: The NCAA is committed to allocating necessary resources to expedite improvements and enhance the safety and efficiency of operations.
Najomo noted that the presentation of the certificates was not an indication that both airports were 100 percent compliant with safety standards.
“It is a testament to 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”, he noted.
Captain Najomo and Mrs Kuku expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister of Aviation for their unwavering support throughout the certification process. It was disclosed that more Nigerian Airports will be re-certified next year.