The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) explained that Nigeria’s delisting from the U.S. Category One register is unrelated to any safety or security oversight deficiencies. The delisting occurred because Nigeria lacked an indigenous operator or U.S. airline code operating flights to America within a two-year period.
In a statement signed by Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director General Civil Aviation, the NCAA clarified the reasons behind the loss of Category One status. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) delisted Category One countries that failed to maintain direct airline operations into America or lacked support from its technical assistance programs.
Nigeria initially obtained Category One status in August 2010, after passing the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Program. Following subsequent FAA safety assessments in 2014 and 2017, Nigeria retained this status. However, the delisting in 2022 occurred due to the absence of a Nigerian airline operating in the U.S. within the required two-year timeframe.
Despite this, the NCAA emphasized, “The delisting has nothing to do with any safety or security deficiencies in our oversight system.” Furthermore, it noted that Nigeria continues to meet international safety standards, as confirmed by audits from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Capt. Najomo emphasized, “It is important to reiterate that Nigeria’s safety oversight remains robust. Nigeria underwent a comprehensive ICAO safety audit, which revealed no Significant Safety Concern (SSC) or Significant Security Concern (SSeC). We are fully committed to maintaining the highest international safety standards.”
Moreover, the NCAA clarified that Nigerian airlines can still operate into America by using wet-leased aircraft from Category One countries. Consequently, in response to this situation, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo has launched a global campaign to assist Nigerian operators in accessing the dry-lease market. This initiative includes partnerships with Airbus and Boeing, along with efforts to ensure Nigeria complies with the Cape Town Convention, ultimately aiming to restore international lessor confidence.
With these initiatives, Nigeria is well-positioned to regain its spot in the U.S. Category One register soon.
