FAAN celebrates as Kano, Port Harcourt airports secure aerodrome certification
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has celebrated a significant step forward in elevating aviation standards, as Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt received Aerodrome Certificates from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The certificates were presented on December 19, 2025, at the NCAA Headquarters Conference Hall in Abuja, capping a rigorous process of inspections and compliance checks.
This achievement marks another win in FAAN’s push to align Nigeria’s airports with global best practices.
Godwin Balang, NCAA’s Director of Aerodrome Standards, highlighted the collaborative effort during the ceremony.
“The achievement was the result of a thorough, well-scrutinised process involving multiple inspections,” he said.
“NCAA inspectors worked closely with FAAN teams to identify and close all gaps until the aerodromes fully aligned with global standards and international best practices.”
NCAA Director General Capt. Chris Najomo praised the partnership between the agencies.
“Such collaboration remains critical to strengthening aviation safety and operational excellence in Nigeria,” he emphasised, calling it a model of effective regulatory cooperation.
FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, who received the certificates, lauded her team’s dedication.
“The certification goes beyond regulatory compliance, describing it as a powerful statement of Nigeria’s commitment to aviation safety, consistency, and global standards,” she stated.
Kuku also commended staff at both airports for their “dedication and discipline,” reaffirming FAAN’s proactive stance on safety culture under her leadership.
With this milestone, four of Nigeria’s five international airports are now certified—positioning the country among Africa’s leaders, where nearly half of certified airports are located.
FAAN noted that certification efforts continue at Enugu and Maiduguri Airports.
