The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has renewed the aerodrome certificates for Muhammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
The aerodrome certificate for both airports expired four years ago.
The acting director-general of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, during the presentation of the certificate to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Abuja on Friday, highlighted the need for the renewal of the certificate.
He said: “In March 2001, the ICAO Council adopted a new Standard that required certification of aerodromes used for international operations. This standard became applicable on 27th November 2003. Nigeria initially complied with this provision by certifying two international airports in 2017.
“The three-year duration of those certificates lapsed in November 2020 in line with the NCAA regulations in force then. At the expiration of NAIA & MMIA aerodrome certificates, a six-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.
“The extension was granted on the condition that FAAN would resolve all outstanding certification CAP items and complete the re-certification process within the extension period and there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA, so this was no mean feat.
“Since then, NCAA and FAAN got down to the hard work of ensuring closure of the critical certification findings as required by the Regulations. The renewal of the aerodrome certificates marks an important milestone in our journey towards achieving excellence in aviation safety and security”.
Najomo, however, noted that the presentation of the certificates was not an indication that both airports were 100 per cent compliant with safety standards.
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He said: “It is a testament to 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.”
Capt. Najomo, while commending the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for the feats recorded, called for continuous maintenance standards that prioritise the safety and comfort of passengers, airport users, staff, and the public.
“I do not doubt that FAAN will align itself with these ideals. This will further ensure that subsequent certificate renewal processes are seamless in keeping with my mantra of ease of doing business without compromising standards.
“On our part as NCAA, we remain irrevocably committed to ensuring that our airports meet the highest safety and security standards. As the regulatory body, we will continue to work closely with the airport operators to ensure consistent compliance with international best practices.”
He also hinted that plans are ongoing to certify the remaining airports in line with the regulations and international protocols.
The MD of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, said the recertification process is targeted at ensuring that Nigerian airports meet the highest international standards.
She said the agency would work to ensure that Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu international airports are certified next year.
“This accomplishment is a clear indication of our commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience for all. The recertification process is not just merely a formality. It’s anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO.
“The ICAO annexes, particularly Annex 14, which pertains to aerodromes, provide the framework for ensuring that our airports are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation which involve a rigorous assessment of our facilities, including the runway conditions, airfield lighting, and to ensure the compliance with global standards.”
Kuku, while noting that there is still work to be done, assured that the agency will ensure that the airports not only meet but exceed the expectations of passengers and stakeholders.
The Acting General Manager of Aerodromes in NCAA, Bayode Boluwaji, also said the certificate would increase Nigeria’s rating.
He said: “Our rating will naturally go up because of the recertification because, on our OLF (Online Framework) where we report back to ICAO what we do, they will notice that we have issued certificates in compliance with their regulations to Lagos and Abuja international airports.