Nigeria scored a significant success as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Western and Central African Office (WACAF) Regional Office Safety Team (ROST) concluded its technical assistance mission.
At the debriefing ceremony on Thursday, 19th February 2026, Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the engagement as rigorous and constructive. He emphasised that the mission further strengthened Nigeria’s readiness for the ICAO International Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM), scheduled for 15–22 April 2026.
Capt. Najomo assured the ICAO delegation that all recommendations would be integrated into an accelerated action framework with defined timelines, measurable results, and enhanced inter-directorate coordination.
ICAO WACAF Praises Nigeria’s Responsiveness
Representing ICAO WACAF, Kebba Lamin Jammeh commended Nigeria for its high level of cooperation and responsiveness. “The technical directorates and partner agencies demonstrated professionalism and a strong commitment to aviation safety,” he said.
The mission involved intensive collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
Capt. Najomo noted that the engagement strengthened institutional systems, sharpened focus, and will enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and overall safety performance.
The DGCA emphasised that ICAO WACAF recommendations would drive accelerated improvements in safety oversight. Key areas include inter-agency coordination, procedural efficiency, and technical readiness.
“This mission confirms that Nigeria is on track to meet international safety standards,” Capt. Najomo said. “We remain committed to measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.”
ICAO WACAF missions are part of a broader strategy to ensure all member states in West and Central Africa maintain compliant safety oversight systems. The Nigerian engagement demonstrated both capability and commitment to aviation safety excellence.
