Nigeria’s airport certification programme recorded a major milestone on Thursday as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued Aerodrome Certificates to Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport, reinforcing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s commitment to aviation safety and regulatory compliance. The development underscores FAAN’s strategic push to institutionalise certification as a core pillar of airport operations across Nigeria.
The aerodrome certification approvals were formally presented on December 19, 2025, at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, following a rigorous and structured regulatory process jointly executed by FAAN and the NCAA. According to a statement signed by FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire, the process involved multiple audits, operational assessments, and infrastructure evaluations to ensure the airports met international safety benchmarks.
In his remarks, NCAA Director of Aerodrome Standards, Mr Godwin Balang, explained that the certification journey was the result of painstaking inspections and continuous engagement with FAAN teams. He noted that inspectors worked closely with airport managers to identify safety gaps, close corrective action plans, and align aerodrome operations with global standards and international best practices. He added that the process demanded consistency, discipline, and full organisational commitment.
Meanwhile, Director General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, stressed that inter-agency collaboration remains critical to sustaining aviation safety improvements. He described the FAAN-NCAA partnership as a model of regulatory cooperation, therefore emphasising that certification outcomes are strongest when regulators and operators share responsibility for safety, compliance, and operational excellence within Nigeria’s aviation system.
Receiving the certificates on behalf of the FAAN Board and Management, Managing Director and Chief Executive, Olubunmi Kuku, said the achievement went beyond meeting regulatory requirements. She described the certification of the two airports as a powerful statement of Nigeria’s resolve to operate airports that meet internationally accepted safety, consistency, and performance standards, while also supporting airline confidence and passenger trust.
In addition, Mrs Kuku commended FAAN staff at both airports for their professionalism and dedication, noting that their discipline was central to the successful certification outcome. She reaffirmed that under her leadership, FAAN has become more proactive in embedding safety culture, strengthening oversight systems, and driving continuous improvement across airport operations nationwide.
With the certification of Kano and Port Harcourt, four of Nigeria’s five international airports are now certified, placing the country among African states that have made measurable progress in airport safety oversight. FAAN confirmed that Enugu and Maiduguri airports remain works in progress, however intensified efforts are ongoing to achieve full network-wide certification in line with ICAO expectations.
Nigeria’s airport certification journey formally gathered momentum in 2017, when Murtala Muhammed International Airport became the first aerodrome in the country to receive certification. Later that year, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport followed, marking a turning point in Nigeria’s compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards under Annex 14 and national regulations.
Both Lagos and Abuja certificates were valid for three years and expired in 2020. However, the NCAA granted temporary extensions during the COVID-19 pandemic to sustain airport operations. After addressing outstanding compliance issues and corrective actions, both airports were recertified in November 2024, reaffirming Nigeria’s renewed commitment to sustainable airport certification.
Aviation authorities have repeatedly clarified that certification does not signify absolute compliance but confirms that airports meet minimum safety and operational standards, subject to continuous surveillance and improvement. Therefore, the process remains dynamic, with ongoing audits ensuring that certified airports maintain required safety performance levels.
Dignitaries at the event included FAAN Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, senior NCAA officials, and members of FAAN’s management team. The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of the Aerodrome Certificates by the NCAA Director General to FAAN management, reinforcing the national aviation safety agenda.
