April 23, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s aviation sector has recorded a landmark achievement, attaining a 91.4 percent Effective Implementation (EI) score in the latest safety audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a performance that surpasses the global benchmark and underscores the success of ongoing reforms in the industry.
THEWILL reports that the , which emerged from the ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) carried out between April 15 and 22, 2026, represents a significant leap from the country’s previous 70 percent score recorded during the 2023 Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA).
Speaking at the closing briefing held at the headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, described the development as a clear validation of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening aviation safety oversight and aligning with global best practices.
He explained that the ICVM is a critical independent assessment mechanism designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a country’s aviation safety systems, identifying strengths, gaps, and potential risks that may impact aircraft operations and public safety.
Najomo noted that although the current score reflects substantial progress, the final status of Protocol Questions (PQs) would still undergo further validation by ICAO’s Safety and Air Navigation Oversight Audit Section. He, however, expressed strong optimism that Nigeria’s rating would improve further, given the extensive corrective actions already implemented and the supporting evidence provided during the audit process.
“This achievement reflects the resilience of our regulatory framework and the dedication of stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to address past deficiencies and strengthen our safety oversight system”, he said.
The NCAA boss commended the ICAO audit team for their professionalism, assuring that all recommendations—whether from onsite inspections or remote engagements—would be thoroughly reviewed and implemented to sustain and improve the gains recorded.
He also acknowledged the pivotal support of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development under the leadership of Festus Keyamo, noting that policy direction and institutional backing were instrumental to the successful outcome of the audit.
Najomo further appreciated the contributions of key aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), alongside service providers and airline operators whose collaboration ensured a coordinated national response to the audit.
He equally lauded the commitment of NCAA personnel, including directors, technical teams, and focal points, whose diligence and expertise were instrumental in presenting a robust safety oversight framework.
Special recognition was given to the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) for providing technical assistance and expert support before and during the validation mission.
Industry analysts note that Nigeria’s remarkable improvement from 70 percent in 2023 to 91.4 percent in 2026 reflects the effectiveness of targeted reforms implemented following the earlier audit. These included comprehensive root cause analysis and the development of structured Corrective Action Plans, which were subsequently validated by ICAO and executed with measurable outcomes.
The strong performance is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s global aviation standing, boost investor confidence, and attract increased international airline partnerships. It also reinforces passenger trust in the safety and reliability of Nigeria’s air transport system.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
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