Nigeria’s aviation safety rating hits 91.45%, Tinubu hails milestone
…above global, West African averages …says feat will boost investor confidence, industry growth President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday hailed Nigeria’s attainment of a 91.45 percent aviation safety rating by
...above global, West African averages
...says feat will boost investor confidence, industry growth
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday hailed Nigeria’s attainment of a 91.45 percent aviation safety rating by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), describing it as a significant milestone that reinforces the country’s credibility in global air transport.
The President said the rating, the highest ever recorded by Nigeria under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), reflects the country’s strong compliance with international aviation safety standards and best practices.
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According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the ICAO audit team announced the score during a debriefing session at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The Effective Implementation (EI) score of 91.45 per cent places Nigeria significantly above both the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent, a development the President said would enhance investor confidence and strengthen the nation’s standing in international aviation.
ICAO, a United Nations agency responsible for coordinating global air navigation standards, conducts regular audits of member states under the USOAP framework to assess their capacity to manage aviation safety risks.
Nigeria, as a member state, must implement critical safety oversight systems and align with international benchmarks.
Since the programme began in 1999, the country has undergone four separate audits.
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President Tinubu noted that the latest rating aligns with his administration’s broader objective of positioning the aviation sector as a key driver of economic growth through improved infrastructure, safety, and efficiency.
He recalled that upon assuming office, his administration prioritized transportation and infrastructure development, focusing on transforming Nigeria into a regional aviation hub that meets and exceeds global standards.
The statement further highlighted that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), had outlined a five-point agenda for the sector, with strict compliance with safety regulations and continuous improvement in ICAO ratings as a central pillar.
Commending the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for the achievement, the President said the result affirms Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure air transport system.
He added that the improved rating would make the country more attractive for investments in aviation infrastructure, aircraft maintenance facilities, and airline operations.
President Tinubu, however, urged the ministry and relevant agencies not to relent, directing them to fully implement all recommendations made by the ICAO audit team to sustain and further improve the country’s safety performance.
“The rating affirms the nation’s aviation safety standards and strengthens its position as a preferred destination for aviation-related investments,” the statement quoted the President as saying.
