By Charles Abere
President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s 91.45 percent Effective Implementation (EI) score in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety audit, the highest the country has recorded since the inception of the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in 1999.
ICAO, a United Nations agency responsible for coordinating international air navigation standards, conducts the USOAP to assess member states’ capacity to manage safety risks and ensure compliance with global aviation standards. The audits directly influence international confidence in a country’s airspace.
The latest score was announced by ICAO’s lead auditor during a debriefing at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) headquarters in Abuja. At 91.45%, Nigeria’s rating significantly exceeds both the West African regional average of 61.1% and the global average of 70.4%.
President Tinubu said the rating affirms Nigeria’s aviation safety standards and enhances the country’s attractiveness for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations.
The President noted that upon assuming office, his administration prioritised infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, with a specific focus on building a safe, secure, and efficient aviation industry that meets international standards.
In line with this objective, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, SAN, outlined a five-point agenda for the sector. The first item on the agenda is strict compliance with safety regulations and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s ICAO rating.
President Tinubu commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for the achievement but urged it not to relent. He directed the Ministry to review and implement all recommendations made by the ICAO auditors to ensure Nigeria maintains and improves its rating.
Since 1999, Nigeria has undergone four USOAP safety audits conducted by ICAO. The latest score places the country well above regional and global benchmarks, boosting investor confidence and strengthening international aviation credibility.
