President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s aviation sector after the country achieved a record 91.45% safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), describing the milestone as a major boost to investor confidence and international credibility.
The rating, announced during a recent audit debriefing at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja, represents Nigeria’s highest-ever score under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). The programme evaluates how effectively countries implement safety oversight systems in line with global aviation standards.
Nigeria’s performance significantly surpasses both regional and global averages, which stand at 61.1% for West Africa and 70.4% worldwide.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu said the achievement reflects the country’s commitment to safety and reform in the aviation sector.
“This remarkable rating affirms Nigeria’s aviation safety standards and strengthens our position as a credible and attractive destination for global investment,” the president said.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president emphasised that aviation remains central to his administration’s economic agenda.
“We are determined to build a safe, secure and efficient aviation industry that meets international standards and positions Nigeria as a leading hub, not just in Africa but globally,” he added.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier outlined a five-point agenda for the sector, with strict adherence to safety regulations as its top priority.
President Tinubu also commended the ministry for the achievement but urged continued diligence in implementing ICAO recommendations.
“The Ministry must not relent. Every recommendation by ICAO auditors should be reviewed and implemented to ensure that Nigeria not only sustains this rating but surpasses it,” he said.
Nigeria has participated in ICAO’s safety audit programme since its inception in 1999, undergoing multiple assessments aimed at strengthening its aviation oversight systems.