FAAN Pledges Sustained Safety After Record Score
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) intends to maintain its recent trajectory in aviation safety standards. Nigeria achieved an Effective Implementation score of 91.45 per cent during the 2026 Coordinated Validation Mission. This performance far exceeds the global average of 70.4 per cent. The leap from the previous 70.23 per cent score validates the sector’s intensive reform efforts.
Aviation officials highlight the Aerodrome and Ground Aids domain as the primary driver of this success. This specific area surged from a 57.5 per cent rating in 2023 to a current 95.16 per cent. Targeted infrastructure upgrades and enhanced safety oversight mechanisms facilitated this change. These improvements address long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s civil aviation protocol.
Nigeria has now secured full certification for all five international airports. The recent recertification of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu finalised this process. This achievement places Nigeria in a rare tier of global aviation compliance. Only half of the airports across the African continent currently hold such certifications.
Industry leaders credit this outcome to the coordination between FAAN and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo and Director General Chris Najomo receive praise for their oversight roles. Enhanced inter-agency synergy turned years of planning into verified results. The focus now shifts toward securing international recognition at the next ICAO Assembly.
FAAN officials emphasize that certification is not a final destination. The agency remains committed to continuous training and documentation upgrades. Maintaining these high standards requires sustained investment in ground infrastructure. Nigeria aims to set the benchmark for efficiency in the regional market.
Safety remains the core metric for future operations. The country now prepares to meet and exceed global expectations for air travel security. These gains bolster Nigeria’s standing as a serious player in the global aviation sector. Continued vigilance is the price of keeping this newly achieved status.