President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), describing it as a major milestone that strengthens investor confidence and global aviation credibility.
The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja following a debriefing by ICAO auditors at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), where Nigeria reportedly achieved its highest-ever Effective Implementation score.
According to a statement issued by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the ICAO lead auditor confirmed that Nigeria scored 91.45 per cent, significantly above both regional and global averages.
The statement noted that West Africa’s average stands at 61.1 per cent, while the global benchmark is 70.4 per cent, placing Nigeria well ahead in aviation safety compliance.
“The regional average of West Africa is 61.1 per cent, and the global average is 70.4 per cent. Nigeria is thus well-positioned above the regional and global ratings,” the statement said.
President Tinubu said the achievement reflects ongoing reforms in the aviation sector aimed at positioning Nigeria as a safe and competitive global aviation hub.
He also highlighted efforts to strengthen infrastructure and transportation under his administration’s economic growth agenda, noting that aviation remains a key driver of national development.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was credited with implementing a five-point agenda focused on improving safety compliance and expanding the aviation value chain.
“Importantly, the first point on that agenda is to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and the continuous upward movement of Nigeria’s ICAO rating,” the statement added.
Tinubu commended the ministry and aviation regulators for the achievement, saying it enhances Nigeria’s attractiveness for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations.
However, he urged authorities not to relent, directing them to fully implement all recommendations made by ICAO auditors to sustain and further improve the country’s performance.
ICAO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, oversees global aviation standards through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, which assesses member states on safety compliance and risk management.
Nigeria, as a member state, has undergone four ICAO audits since 1999, with the latest result marking its strongest performance to date in aviation safety oversight.
