President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s aviation sector after the country recorded an unprecedented 91.45 percent safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organization, describing the achievement as a major boost to investor confidence and global credibility.
The milestone was announced following a recent audit under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, a framework designed to assess how effectively countries implement critical safety standards in civil aviation. The audit, conducted at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in Abuja, saw Nigeria attain its highest-ever Effective Implementation score since the programme began in 1999.
The new rating places Nigeria significantly above both the West African regional average of 61.1 percent and the global average of 70.4 percent, underscoring the country’s progress in aviation safety oversight and regulatory compliance.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu said the result affirms the nation’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards in its airspace and strengthens its position as an attractive destination for aviation-related investments. He commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for what he described as a landmark achievement, noting that it aligns with his administration’s broader goal of positioning air transport as a driver of economic growth.
The president urged the ministry to sustain the momentum by implementing all recommendations made by ICAO auditors during the exercise. He emphasized that continuous improvement is essential to not only maintain the current rating but to surpass it in future assessments.
Nigeria’s aviation reform agenda has been anchored on enhancing infrastructure and regulatory efficiency, with the government targeting the transformation of the country into a regional and global aviation hub. In line with this objective, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has outlined a five-point strategy focused on strengthening the aviation value chain, with strict compliance to safety standards as a top priority.
Industry stakeholders say the improved rating could have far-reaching implications, including increased confidence among international airlines, investors, and aviation partners, as well as potential growth in maintenance, repair, and overhaul services within Nigeria.
The International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency responsible for setting global aviation standards, conducts periodic audits to ensure member states effectively manage safety risks and adhere to international best practices.
