The Nigerian Civil Aviation (NCAA) has certified that the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) and the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt (JOAIA) have met regulatory requirements.
This is the first time both airports will be certified by the NCAA.
This also brings to four the number of certified international airports in Nigeria. They include: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which were previously certified.
The NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, who was excited about the historical moment, said the process was not merely procedural.
“It was, indeed, a demonstration of the NCAA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every aerodrome in Nigeria meets the requirements prescribed in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 12, Vol. I, which represents the domesticated version of ICAO Annexe 14, Volume I.”
Presenting the certificates of both aerodromes to the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, the operators of the airports, on Friday at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, Capt. Najomo highlighted that “both MAKIA and JOAIA have now been adjudged compliant and have no matters of significant safety concern outstanding.”
He emphasized that aerodrome certification is not a ceremonial exercise, but a globally recognised attestation that the aerodrome infrastructure is safe; operational procedures meet international benchmarks, and safety management systems are functional.
The NCAA chief executive further explained that with the certification, insurance premiums on the aerodrome would reduce significantly.
(independent)
