The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has recertified the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja (NAIA) and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.
The Acting Director-General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo at a brief ceremony held at NCAA Headquarters in Abuja handed over both certificates to the Managing Director/CEO, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Olubunmi Kuku.
Capt. Najomo said the event that the recertification of the aerodromes after meeting stringent conditions is a significant milestone in aviation safety and security.
Going down memory lane he said in March 2001, the ICAO Council adopted a new Standard that required certification of aerodromes used for international operations.
This Standard he said became applicable 27“ November of 2003. Nigeria initially complied with this provision by certifying two international airports in 2017. The 3-year duration of those certificates lapsed in November 2020 in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations in force then.
He further explained that at the expiration of NAIA & MMIA aerodrome certificates, a six (6) month extension was granted to FAAN to operate the aerodromes due to the COVID-19 Pandemic which we all remember had devastating effects on the aviation sector. However, the extension was granted on the condition that FAAN resolve all outstanding certification CAP items and complete the re-certification process within the extension period.
Capt. Najomo indicated that there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA for recertification.
His speech read in part: “For further emphasis, today’s ceremony – the renewal of the aerodrome certificates – marks an important milestone in our journey towards achieving excellence in aviation safety and security. It is an attestation to the visionary leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, in particular, and ultimately Mr. President through his Renewed Hope Agenda in general.
“I must reiterate that the presentation of these certificates is not an indication that the airports are 100% compliant with safety standards but it is a testament of 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.
“The observed non compliances have resulted into applicable restrictions and exemptions to reflect the true status of the aerodromes. In the meantime, the implementation of these CAPs will be monitored by our Safety inspectors through postcertification surveillance activities. Therefore, we are not to rest on our Oars, but rather, leave our sleeves up and keep working.
“For further emphasis, today’s ceremony – the renewal of the aerodrome certificates – mark an important milestone in our journey towards achieving excellence in aviation safety and security. It is an attestation to the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, in particular, and ultimately Mr. President through his Renewed Hope Agenda in general” he said.
The MD FAAN. Mrs. Kuku who was elated about the feat said FAAN will prepare the remaining three international airports for recertification.
She said it with great pride and a deep sense of humility that she received the certificates.
She said the certified international airports have met global standards.
