The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Friday presented the renewed Aerodrome Certificates for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The acting Director General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, while presenting the certificate to the Managing Director, FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku in Abuja, hinted that at the expiration of NAIA and MMIA aerodrome certificates, a six 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, Najomo said was granted on the condition that FAAN resolve all outstanding certification CAP items and complete the re-certification process within the extension period.
He said there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA.
Najomo noted: “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.”
Najomo recalled that in March 2001, the ICAO Council adopted a new Standard that required certification of aerodromes used for international operations.
This Standard Najomo opined, became applicable 27th November of 2003.
He added: “Nigeria initially complied with this provision by certifying two international airports in 2017. The 3-year duration of those certificates lapsed in November 2020 in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations in force then.
“For further emphasis, today’s ceremony – the renewal of the aerodrome certificates – mark an important milestone in our journey towards achieving excellence in aviation safety and security.
“It is an attestation to the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, in particular, and ultimately Mr. President through his Renewed Hope Agenda in general.
“I must reiterate that the presentation of these certificates is not an indication that the airports are 100 per cent compliant with safety standards but it is a testament of their compliance with the minimum certification and operating requirements based on risk assessment and presentation of an acceptable Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for continuous implementation by the aerodrome operator.
“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.
Responding, Kuku stressed that the country’s aerodrome certificates have not been active since 2020 and therefore, achieving this recertification is not just remarkable; but a vital step in enhancing the aviation infrastructure, which has long been overdue.
He said that the accomplishment is a clear indication of the sector’s commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience for all.
Kuku noted: “The recertification process is not merely a formality; it is anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“As you may be aware, the ICAO Annexes, particularly Annex 14, which pertains to Aerodromes, provide the framework for ensuring that our airports are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation.
“This process involves rigorous assessments of our facilities, including runway conditions and airfield lighting systems, to ensure compliance with these global standards.
“Specifically, I would like to highlight the ongoing assessments and improvements regarding the two primary runways in Lagos 18R. The runways are crucial for our operations, and their conditions directly influence the efficiency and safety of air traffic.
“We are also focusing our attention on the taxiways A, B, and C, which are vital connectors that facilitate the smooth movement of aircraft on the ground. In Abuja, the primary runway also requires our continued commitment to ensure it continues to meets ICAO standards. Our goal is to enhance these facilities further to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers,” she added.