President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), describing it as a significant achievement for the country’s aviation sector.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the rating represents the highest score Nigeria has ever recorded under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).
The score was announced during a debriefing session at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), where ICAO auditors presented the country’s Effective Implementation (EI) results following its fourth audit since the programme began in 1999.
Nigeria’s performance stands significantly above both regional and global averages. The country’s 91.45 per cent EI score exceeds the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent, marking a substantial margin of improvement.
Reacting to the development, Tinubu commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for its role in achieving the milestone, noting that the result reflects the country’s growing adherence to international safety standards.
“The rating affirms the nation’s aviation safety standards and makes it a more attractive destination for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations,” the President said.
He, however, urged the ministry not to become complacent, directing it to carefully review and implement all recommendations made by ICAO auditors during the exercise.
The International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialised agency of the United Nations, is responsible for setting global standards for air navigation and evaluating how effectively member states manage aviation safety risks through its USOAP audits.
As a member state, Nigeria is required to comply with these standards and maintain critical safety oversight systems, which are assessed during the audit process.
A country’s EI score plays a key role in shaping international confidence in its aviation sector, influencing bilateral agreements, airline operations, and investment decisions.
Nigeria’s latest performance marks a notable improvement compared to previous audit results, which had consistently fallen below the current score.
The Presidency attributed the progress partly to reforms under the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, whose policy framework prioritises strict regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in safety ratings.
It also noted that the administration has positioned the aviation sector as a critical driver of economic growth, with a focus on building infrastructure and aligning with global standards to attract investment and enhance operational efficiency.
