Nigeria aviation safety rated high in ICAO Audit

Nigeria’s Director-General Civil Aviation, (DGCA), Captain Chris Najomo, has disclosed that Nigerian aviation industry recorded an impressive 91.4% Effective Implementation (EI) score at the just-concluded International Civil Aviation Organization Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM).

Captain Chris Najomo noted that the ICVM audit is an independent platform that identifies Nigeria’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats that may impact on its statutory mandate of safety oversight responsibilities, safe aircraft operations and public safety.

Najomo made this known during the closing briefing on the ICVM held between April 15 and 22, 2026 at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in Abuja.

While acknowledging that the validation results will be subjected to a different validation by the Safety and Air Navigation Oversight Audit Section, Captain Najomo expressed firm optimism that the ultimate status of the Protocol Questions (PQs) will change positively based on progress made in implementing the corrective actions, evidence collected and  recommendations made.

He commended the auditors – both onsite and remotely – for their professionalism, assuring that Nigeria will consider, review and implement every recommendation that has been made.

Najomo thanked the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, ably led by the Hon. Minister, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), for the unwavering support towards the success of the high-level exercise.

He also appreciated the managements of FAAN, NSIB, NiMet, NAMA, the service providers, operators and the NCAA team comprising the directors, the NCMC, focal points and team members for their diligence, commitment and cooperation.

The DGCA acknowledged the invaluable support and collaboration of  RSOO – BAGASOO who made available its experts before and during the mission.

It would be recalled that Nigeria underwent an ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA), from August to September 2023, scoring 70% in safety rating which is considered below global safety standard.

In order to address identified deficiencies from the 2023 exercise, Nigeria conducted root cause analysis, and promptly developed a series of Corrective Action Plans which were validated by ICAO, thereby providing a clear roadmap for effective implementation.