, As authority recertifies Lagos, Abuja airports four years after expiry
lagos – The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja are not in 100 per cent compliance with safety standards despite the presentation of their recertification on Friday. Are doing.
Both airports were recertified four years after the expiration of their prior certifications.
This is the second time in seven years that the apex regulatory body is certifying two airports.
The NCAA first certified the two airports in November 2017, which expired in late 2020, but since then, the authority has failed to recertify both airports citing non-compliance with standards. .
The recertification certificates for the two airports were presented to the Managing Director of the Federal Airports of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, by the Acting Director General Civil Aviation (ADGCA), Captain Chris Njomo, on Friday in Abuja.
The certification of international airports required by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 14 and Part 12 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations is a global strategy to promote standards and uniformity in the sector.
It also strengthens the airport's competitiveness and opens it up to external financing.
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Commenting on the recertification of both airports, Njomo said it marked An important milestone in the country's journey towards achieving excellence in aviation safety and security.
He also said it was a testament to the leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyomo, in particular and President Bola Tinubu through his Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, Njomo said the presentation of these certificates was not an indication that the airports were 100 percent compliant with safety standards.
He said this was an evidence of compliance with the minimum certification and operational requirements based on risk assessment and submission of an acceptable corrective action plan (CAP) for continued implementation by the airport operator.
He said that as a result of non-compliance observed, restrictions and relaxations have been put in place to reflect the actual situation at the airports.
He further added: “In the meantime, the implementation of these CAPs will be monitored through monitoring activities after certification by our safety inspectors. Therefore, we do not have to rest on our oars, but roll up our sleeves and keep working.
“In doing so, I appeal for the continued maintenance of high safety standards that prioritize the safety and comfort of passengers, airport users, staff and the public. I have no doubt that FAAN will align itself with these ideals. This will also ensure that subsequent certification renewal processes will be seamless in keeping with my mantra of ease of doing business without compromising on standards.”
He reiterated NCAA's commitment to ensuring that airports meet the highest safety and security standards, assuring that it will work closely with airport operators to ensure consistent compliance with international best practices. Will continue.
Also, Njomo explained that the second phase of the exercise will be implemented in the remaining three international airports in line with regulations and international protocols.
The other three airports are Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano and Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu.
Kuku explained about that incident in his comment This was not only a reflection of the agency's achievements, but also a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the process.
He also commended the efforts of the airport managers and their teams for the success recorded and emphasized that their commitment to excellence has made this achievement possible.
He expressed regret that the aerodrome certificates were not active since 2020, noting that achieving recertification was not only noteworthy but also an important step to enhance aviation infrastructure, which was long overdue.
He added: “This achievement is a clear indication of our commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience for all.
“The recertification process is not just a formality; It is based on the principles established by ICAO. As you may be aware, ICAO Annexes, particularly Annex 14, which relates to aerodromes, provide the framework for ensuring that our airports are safe, efficient and capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation.
“This process includes a rigorous assessment of our facilities, including runway conditions and airfield lighting, to ensure compliance with these global standards.”
He also mentioned the ongoing assessments and improvements regarding the two primary runways at Lagos 18R.
He said that while the runways were critical to the agency's operations, their condition directly affected the efficiency and safety of air traffic.
Cucu said the agency is also focusing its attention on taxiways A, B and C, which he says are critical connectors that facilitate the smooth movement of aircraft on the ground.
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