Nigeria Records Strong Safety Oversight Gains as ICAO Team Concludes Technical Assistance Mission
Nigeria has recorded what aviation authorities describe as a significant milestone in safety oversight and regulatory preparedness following the conclusion of a high-level technical assistance mission by the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Western and Central African Regional Office.
The mission, undertaken by the ICAO WACAF Regional Office Safety Team, wrapped up on Thursday, 19 February 2026, with a formal debriefing at the headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Officials said the exercise forms part of ongoing regional efforts to strengthen compliance with international aviation safety standards and enhance institutional readiness across member states.
Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, described the engagement as both rigorous and constructive, noting that it has significantly boosted the country’s preparedness ahead of the forthcoming ICAO International Coordinated Validation Mission scheduled for April.
According to him, the technical review has provided Nigeria with a clearer roadmap for consolidating reforms and addressing identified gaps within its aviation safety architecture.
He assured the visiting delegation that all recommendations generated during the exercise would be promptly integrated into an accelerated implementation framework designed with specific timelines, measurable performance indicators, and enhanced coordination among the Authority’s directorates.
The goal, he said, is to ensure that corrective actions are not only documented but effectively executed in line with global regulatory expectations.
Najomo also commended partner institutions for their active participation throughout the mission, citing the contributions of the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, and Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
He emphasised that their professionalism and technical input were instrumental in ensuring a productive outcome.
“The exercise has strengthened our internal systems, sharpened our institutional focus, and will ultimately improve Nigeria’s overall aviation safety performance,” he stated, adding that the collaborative approach adopted during the mission reflects a shared commitment to aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with international best practice.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Kebba Lamin Jammeh praised the high level of responsiveness demonstrated by NCAA technical directorates and partner agencies.
He noted that the team was impressed by the openness of Nigerian aviation stakeholders and their willingness to provide data, documentation, and operational access required for a thorough assessment.
Industry analysts observe that such technical assistance missions are critical precursors to ICAO validation audits, as they allow regulators to test compliance levels, address deficiencies, and strengthen oversight systems before formal evaluation.
Nigeria’s aviation authorities believe the positive outcome of the latest mission signals growing institutional maturity within the sector and reinforces the country’s commitment to maintaining globally recognised safety standards.
The April validation mission is expected to serve as a decisive benchmark for Nigeria’s aviation regulatory performance, with officials expressing confidence that the groundwork laid during the recently concluded exercise has positioned the country for a favourable assessment.
