Certification Announcement
By Gabriel Agbeja
Abuja, Dec. 19, 2025 (NAN) – In a significant stride for Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has formally issued Aerodrome Certificates to two major international gateways: the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano (MAKIA) and the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt (JOAIA). This move elevates the operational and safety status of these critical infrastructures, aligning them with global benchmarks.
During the presentation ceremony in Abuja, NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, underscored the profound importance of the certification, framing it as far more than a ceremonial event. “Aerodrome certification is a globally recognized attestation that an airport’s infrastructure, operational procedures, and safety management systems are robust, functional, and meet stringent international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),” Najomo stated.
He elaborated on the tangible benefits, explaining that certification fundamentally strengthens an airport’s risk profile. In practical terms, this often translates to more favorable insurance premiums and improved underwriting conditions not just for the airport operator (the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN), but also for airlines and service providers based there. This reduction in operational risk and cost is a key driver for attracting and retaining airline services.
“This certificate is a seal of confidence,” Najomo emphasized, “for airlines making scheduling decisions, for investors considering aviation projects, and most importantly, for the travelling public who prioritize safety. It is a critical step in strengthening Nigerian aviation’s overall credibility and competitiveness on the regional and international stage.”
The achievement is positioned as a direct deliverable of the Aviation Minister’s five-point agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritize infrastructure renewal and institutional strengthening.
Najomo provided crucial context on the rigorous process: “Through diligent collaboration, both MAKIA and JOAIA have now been adjudged compliant with no outstanding significant safety concerns. This follows multiple NCAA inspections, the issuance of Corrective Action Notices (CANs), and the successful implementation of Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) by FAAN to address identified gaps.”
With this certification, four of Nigeria’s five designated international airports are now certified, joining the earlier certified Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. This marks substantial progress toward universal certification, a core goal for modern aviation states.
The Director-General reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to continuous oversight, adherence to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), and the promotion of technology-driven, transparent processes. “We will continue to support FAAN and all aerodrome operators through guidance, surveillance, and constructive engagement,” he concluded.
Receiving the certificates, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, acknowledged the “rigorous” journey to certification. “The process was defined by meticulous inspections, constructive dialogue, and the diligent exchange of corrective action notices and plans,” she said.
Kuku highlighted the essential partnership model that led to success: “The NCAA is not just an overseer but a crucial partner, providing clear guidance and scrutiny. Conversely, our FAAN teams in Kano and Port Harcourt demonstrated unwavering commitment. This synergistic partnership—where the regulator guides and the operator implements—is the model for elevating Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.”
She fittingly described the certificates as “a shared trophy, earned through a collaborative spirit that puts national interest and safety above all else.”
Analysis & Broader Implications: This dual certification is a landmark event with layered impacts. For the northern and southern regions served by these airports, it signals improved connectivity potential and economic stimulus. For the Nigerian aviation ecosystem, it enhances systemic safety, reduces insurance costs industry-wide, and makes the country a more attractive partner for international aviation agreements and investment. The collaborative regulator-operator model demonstrated here sets a positive precedent for future projects, including the certification of the remaining international airport and the maintenance of these hard-earned standards.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FGA/ADA
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
