The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has presented the recertification certificates for the nation’s International airports in Lagos and Abuja to Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) .
The aerodrome certification which was presented to the FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Olubunmi Kuku by the Ag. Director General of NCAA, Chris Najomo in Abuja ,is a major boost and attestation to the continued improvements of the safety standard of the Airports.
Kuku explained that the recertification process is not merely a formality but it is anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
She noted that the Airports Aerodrome certificates have not been active since 2020, therefore, achieving this recertification is not just remarkable but a vital step in enhancing our aviation infrastructure, which has long been overdue.
Kuku stated that it is imperative the momentum both agencies have built through collaboration and shared goals is maintained .
She thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo for their support throughout the process as well as the Ag DG NCAA , the airport managers and their team.
She said “This accomplishment is a clear indication of our commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience for all.
“The 3-year duration of those certificates lapsed in November 2020 in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations in force then.At the expiration of NAIA & MMIA aerodrome certificates, a six (6)month extension was granted to FAAN to operate the aerodromes due to the COVID-19 Pandemic which we all remember had devastating effects on the aviation sector.
“However, the extension was granted on the condition that FAAN resolve all outstanding certification CAP items and complete the re-certification process within the extension period. To be detailed, there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA, so this was no mean feat.
“Since then, NCAA and FAAN got down to the hard work of ensuring closure of the critical certification findings as required by the Regulations. I have deliberately taken us down this memory lane in order to have a proper perspective of what is being celebrated here today.”
“The path ahead may present challenges, but with the collective expertise and determination of our teams, I am confident that we will navigate them successfully
and shared goals is maintained .
“I would like to express our sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, for their unwavering support throughout this process. Their leadership & vision have been instrumental in guiding us toward this achievement.
“Let me express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this recertification process specifically the airport managers and their teams in Lagos and Abuja, the Director Airport Operations and Director Engineering and of course the NCAA teams.”
Chris Najomo congratulated FAAN on the incredible achivement. He assured that NCAA will continue to uphold high safety and security standard in the airports.
“I appeal for continuous maintenance of high safety standards that prioritise the safety and comfort of passengers, airport users, staff and the public. I have no doubt that FAAN will align itself with these ideals. This will further ensure that subsequent certification renewal processes are seamless in keeping with my mantra of ease-of-doing-business without compromise of standards.
“On our part as NCAA, we remain irrevocably committed to ensuring that our airports meet the highest safety and security standards. As the regulatory body, we will continue to work closely with the airport operators to ensure consistent compliance with international best practices.”
