Tinubu Welcomes Nigeria’s Record 91.45% Aviation Safety Rating
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s impressive 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating recorded by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), describing it as a major milestone for the country’s air transport sector.
The ICAO, a United Nations agency responsible for coordinating international air navigation standards, assessed Nigeria under its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), which evaluates countries’ ability to manage aviation safety risks effectively.
During a recent debriefing at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in Abuja, the ICAO audit team announced that Nigeria achieved an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 91.45 per cent — the highest ever recorded by the country since it began participating in the programme in 1999.
The figure places Nigeria significantly above the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent, further boosting international confidence in the nation’s aviation sector.
President Tinubu noted that the achievement aligns with his administration’s priority of strengthening infrastructure and positioning air transport as a key driver of economic growth. He reiterated plans to develop a safe, secure, and efficient aviation industry capable of meeting global standards and establishing Nigeria as a leading aviation hub.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier outlined a five-point agenda for the sector, with strict compliance with safety regulations and continuous improvement in ICAO ratings as a top priority.
Commending the ministry and aviation agencies for the feat, the President said the rating would enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness to investors in aviation infrastructure, maintenance services, and airline operations.
He, however, urged stakeholders not to relent, calling for the full implementation of ICAO recommendations to ensure sustained progress and even higher ratings in future assessments.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining global best practices in aviation safety while driving economic development through a strengthened air transport system.
Tinubu Welcomes Nigeria’s Record 91.45% Aviation Safety Rating