The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has recorded “a landmark advancement in aviation safety, as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) acknowledges Nigeria’s significant progress in Aerodrome and Ground Aids (AGA) under the 2026 Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM).”
In a statement the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, said: Nigeria’s overall Effective Implementation (EI) score rose impressively from 70.23% to 91.45%, placing the country well above the global average of 70.4% and signaling a decisive shift toward full compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
Mr. Agbebire noted that “at the heart of this achievement is the remarkable improvement in the Aerodrome and Ground Aids domain. From a modest 57.5% recorded during the 2023 USOAP audit, impacted by 53 unsatisfactory Protocol Questions, Nigeria has now attained a preliminary score of 95.16% as of April 2026. This 37.90% 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.” Mr. Agbebire added.
FAAN stated that “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% 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.” added FAAN.
FAAN noted that it attributes “this milestone to the collective resolve of stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem and the strong policy direction of the Federal Government. The Authority commends the Honourable 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 Ona Najomo, whose professionalism and collaborative approach have strengthened regulatory oversight and inter-agency synergy.”
FAAN reiterated that 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.”