President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Ministry of Aviation following Nigeria’s strongest-ever performance in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety audit, where the country achieved a remarkable 91.45% in Effective Implementation (EI).
The result was announced during a briefing at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja and represents Nigeria’s highest score since ICAO introduced its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in 1999.
The achievement places Nigeria well above both regional and global averages.
While West Africa currently stands at 61.1% and the global benchmark at 70.4%, Nigeria’s new score signals a significant leap in aviation safety oversight and regulatory compliance.
The ICAO assessment is widely regarded as a key global measure of how effectively countries manage aviation safety standards.
READ ALSO
Tinubu described the development as a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s aviation system and a positive signal to the international community.
According to him, the improved rating reinforces the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors in airline operations, maintenance services, and broader aviation infrastructure.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
Ongoing reforms
He also linked the milestone to ongoing reforms under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development led by Festus Keyamo.
He noted that the progress reflects the implementation of the ministry’s five-point agenda, particularly its focus on regulatory strengthening and alignment with international standards.
Despite the record performance, the Presidency urged stakeholders not to relent.
Tinubu directed the Ministry to carefully review ICAO’s recommendations and fully implement all corrective actions, stressing the need to sustain and further improve the country’s safety rating in future audits.
With the new score surpassing the 90% threshold, Nigeria is now seen as having strengthened its position within global aviation standards, reinforcing its ambition to emerge as a leading aviation hub on the continent.
