Nigeria Achieves 91.4% Aviation Safety Rating as ICAO Concludes Critical Audit
Nigeria’s aviation industry has recorded a significant leap in global safety compliance, attaining an impressive 91.4 per cent Effective Implementation (EI) score following the conclusion of the International Civil Aviation Organization Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) conducted between April 15 and 22, 2026.
The milestone achievement was announced during the closing briefing held on April 22, 2026, at the headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in Abuja. Addressing stakeholders, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Chris Najomo, described the ICVM audit as a crucial independent assessment mechanism that evaluates the country’s aviation safety framework.
He explained that the audit not only highlights Nigeria’s internal strengths and weaknesses but also identifies external opportunities and potential threats that could affect its statutory responsibility of safety oversight, aircraft operations, and public safety.
Capt. Najomo, however, noted that the current validation results would still undergo further review by ICAO’s Safety and Air Navigation Oversight Audit Section.
Despite this, he expressed strong optimism that Nigeria’s standing would improve further as corrective actions continue to be implemented and additional evidence is assessed.
“The outcome of this exercise reflects the considerable progress we have made,” he said, adding that the status of Protocol Questions (PQs) is expected to improve positively as reforms are sustained.
The DGCA commended both onsite and remote auditors for their professionalism throughout the exercise, assuring that Nigeria remains committed to reviewing and implementing all recommendations arising from the mission.
He also extended appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by the Minister, Festus Keyamo, for providing steadfast support that contributed to the successful conduct of the high-level audit.
Further commendations were directed at key aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, as well as service providers, operators, and the NCAA team.
He praised their diligence, cooperation, and commitment, which he said were instrumental in achieving the strong performance.
Capt. Najomo also acknowledged the critical role played by Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation, whose experts provided technical support before and during the validation mission.
The latest achievement marks a remarkable improvement from Nigeria’s previous performance under the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA), conducted between August and September 2023, where the country recorded a 70 per cent safety rating – considered below the global benchmark.
In response to the shortcomings identified in the 2023 audit, Nigerian aviation authorities undertook a comprehensive root cause analysis and developed targeted Corrective Action Plans. These plans were subsequently validated by ICAO, providing a structured roadmap for reforms and enhanced compliance.
Industry observers say the 91.4 per cent score signals Nigeria’s renewed commitment to aligning with global aviation safety standards and reinforces confidence in the country’s regulatory oversight system.
With sustained implementation of reforms and continued collaboration among stakeholders, Nigeria appears firmly on course to consolidating its position as a safe and reliable aviation hub in Africa.
