By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s record 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating awarded by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), describing it as a major boost to the country’s global standing and investor confidence.
In a State House press release issued Thursday, the President said the rating—Nigeria’s highest ever under ICAO’s safety audit system—reflects significant progress in the nation’s aviation oversight and regulatory compliance.
The statement was signed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
The ICAO, a United Nations agency responsible for coordinating international air navigation and ensuring the safe development of global air transport, conducts periodic assessments of member states through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).
The programme evaluates countries based on their ability to effectively manage aviation safety risks, using Effective Implementation (EI) scores.
According to the statement, Nigeria achieved the 91.45 per cent score during a recent audit debriefing held at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja. The result places Nigeria significantly above both the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent.
President Tinubu noted that the achievement aligns with his administration’s priority of strengthening infrastructure and transportation as key drivers of economic growth. He reiterated plans to position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub that meets and surpasses international standards.
The President also commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Festus Keyamo, for its role in the milestone. He highlighted the ministry’s five-point agenda aimed at developing the aviation value chain, particularly its focus on strict adherence to safety regulations and continuous improvement in ICAO ratings.
Tinubu said the high safety score enhances Nigeria’s attractiveness for investments in aviation infrastructure, maintenance services, and airline operations, while strengthening international confidence in the country’s airspace.
He urged the ministry and relevant agencies not to rest on their laurels but to fully implement all recommendations made by ICAO auditors to sustain and further improve the rating.
