NCAA recertifies Lagos, Abuja airports

Abdullateef Fowewe

In a significant milestone for Nigerian aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has officially recertified the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The certificates of the new statuses were presented to the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku by the Acting Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo in Abuja on Friday.

Kuku while speaking at the presentation and renewal of the Aerodrome Certificate for the two airports, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasising the dedication of airport managers and teams.

She stated that recertification, crucial for enhancing aviation infrastructure, follows a rigorous assessment process aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization standards.

Her words, “As we celebrate this significant progress, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the relentless efforts of our airport managers and their teams. Your commitment to excellence has brought us to this pivotal point in our journey toward ensuring that our airports meet the highest international standards. Your teamwork, expertise, and unwavering dedication have made it possible for us to reach this stage, and for that, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.

“It is important to note that our Aerodrome certificates have not been active since 2020. Therefore, achieving this recertification is not just remarkable; it is a vital step in enhancing our aviation infrastructure, which has long been overdue. This accomplishment is a clear indication of our commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience for all.

“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.”

Further speaking, Kuku highlighted the ongoing assessments and improvements regarding the two primary runways in Lagos 18R, establishing that runways are crucial for aviation operations, and their conditions directly influence the efficiency and safety of air traffic.

“We are also focusing our attention on 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.

“While we have made commendable strides in our recertification efforts, I must emphasise that there is still work to be done. Specifically, some of our runways and airfield lighting systems require further attention to meet the ICAO standards fully. It is crucial that we continue to prioritise these improvements to enhance the safety and efficiency of our operations. We are committed to addressing these challenges head-on, and I assure you that we will allocate the necessary resources to expedite these improvements,” she added.

However, she commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, for their unwavering support throughout attaining the feet, stressing that their leadership and vision have been instrumental in guiding the aviation industry toward the achievement.

Kuku added, “President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with our mission to revitalize the aviation sector and foster sustainable economic growth. Similarly, the Honorable Minister’s impressive Five-Point Agenda serves as a roadmap, emphasizing safety, security, efficiency, infrastructure development, and stakeholder engagement. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future in Nigerian aviation.

“As we move forward, it is imperative that we maintain the momentum we have built through collaboration and shared goals. The path ahead may present challenges, but with the collective expertise and determination of our teams, I am confident that we will navigate them successfully.

“In closing, let me once again express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this recertification process specifically the airport managers and their teams in Lagos and Abuja, the Director Airport Operations and Director Engineering and of course the NCAA teams. Your hard work and dedication are the foundation upon which we will continue to build a safer and more efficient aviation environment in Nigeria. Together, we will ensure that our airports not only meet but exceed the expectations of our passengers and stakeholders.“

In his remark, the NCAA acting DG, stated that the agency remains committed to ensuring that airports meet the highest safety and security standards. As the regulatory body, we will continue to work closely with the airport operators to ensure consistent compliance with international best practices.

He said, “This event marks the first phase of the CAAs action plan for the certification of the aerodromes.
In the second phase, we hope to implement the plan by certifying the remaining airports in line with the regulations and international protocols. At this juncture  I must commend the entire certification team under the Director of Airodrome and Airspace Standards, Engrm Godwin Balang, excellence is truly commendable. Once again, I welcome you all.“