RismadarVoice Reporters, April 24, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s attainment of a 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), describing it as a major milestone for the country’s air transport sector.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the rating reflects Nigeria’s strong compliance with global aviation safety standards and reinforces international confidence in the nation’s airspace.
The ICAO, a United Nations agency responsible for coordinating international air navigation and promoting safe and orderly development of global air transport, assessed Nigeria under its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). The programme evaluates countries on their ability to effectively manage aviation safety risks.
According to the statement, Nigeria recorded an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 91.45 per cent during a recent audit debriefing at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja—its highest score since the inception of the audit programme in 1999.
The figure significantly surpasses both the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent, positioning Nigeria among the leading nations in aviation safety compliance.
President Tinubu noted that the achievement aligns with his administration’s priority to strengthen infrastructure and transportation as drivers of economic growth, with a focus on developing a safe, secure, and efficient aviation industry capable of competing globally.
He also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for advancing reforms in the sector, particularly through a five-point agenda that prioritises strict adherence to safety regulations and continuous improvement in ICAO ratings.
The President said the improved rating would boost investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness for aviation-related investments, including infrastructure, maintenance services, and airline operations.
While praising the milestone, Tinubu urged the ministry to sustain the momentum by implementing all recommendations from ICAO auditors to further strengthen the country’s aviation safety framework.
The latest rating marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to position itself as a key aviation hub in Africa and beyond.
