𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗯𝘂 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗺𝗼-𝗟𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝘃𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀

President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s impressive 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), saying the record-breaking score affirms the nation’s safety standards and positions the country as a more attractive destination for aviation investment.

The ICAO, a United Nations agency that coordinates international air navigation, conducts safety audits through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). Since the programme’s inception in 1999, Nigeria has undergone four USOAP safety audits. The latest score of 91.45 per cent is the highest Nigeria has ever recorded.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the result was announced during a recent debriefing by the ICAO audit team at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The statement noted that the West African regional average stands at 61.1 per cent, while the global average is 70.4 per cent. Nigeria’s 91.45 per cent score therefore significantly surpasses both benchmarks.

“Nigeria is thus well positioned above the regional and global ratings, which, in turn, significantly boost investor confidence and strengthen international aviation credibility,” the statement read in part.

President Tinubu recalled that upon assuming office, he redefined his administration’s priority areas to include enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth. A key goal, he said, is to establish the air transport sector as a major driver for economic prosperity by building a safe, secure, and efficient aviation industry focused on making Nigeria a hub that meets international standards and best practices beyond the African continent.

The President commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, for the feat. He noted that Keyamo had earlier outlined a five-point agenda to grow the Nigerian aviation value chain, with the first point being strict compliance with safety regulations and the continuous upward movement of Nigeria’s ICAO rating.

President Tinubu urged the ministry not to relent but to review and implement every recommendation the ICAO auditors made during the mission.

“This will ensure that Nigeria not only maintains but goes even further on the rating,” the statement added.