NCAA, not ICAO implemented Abuja, Lagos airports’ certification – Aviation Ministry
The Ministry of Aviation weekend clarified, that the certification of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja and Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos were implemented by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) contrary to reports that the two airports were certified by International Civil Aviation organization (ICAO).
A statement issued by the Aviation Ministry, yesterday, signed by the Deputy Director, Press & Public Affairs, James Odaudu stated: “Kindly recall the recent certification of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, which are milestones in the nation’s aviation industry.”
“However, contrary to reports that the certification of the two airports was implemented by the International Civil Aviation organization (ICAO), it is pertinent to clarify that the exercises were carried out by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)”, it added.
It added that the respective certifications were in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARS) Part 12, ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices and provisions of Annex 14.
The ministry said it expresses absolute confidence in both the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the International Civil Aviation organization (ICAO) to continue their regulatory duties in the government’s drive towards repositioning the sector.
On September this year, the NCAA certified the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as the certified aerodrome operator for the provision of required airport services, facilities, systems and equipment at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, in line with international standards and recommended practices.
The certificate, which was presented to the Managing Director/CEO of FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma by the Director General of NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman at the NCAA headquarters in Lagos, attracted the presence of aviation stakeholders, including agencies, directors, general managers of aviation parastatals, management of MMA2, media, amongst others.
Similarly, in early November this year, NCAA also certified the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
The apex aviation regulatory handed over the certificate to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) recently, as a confirmation that the airport has met the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO standards.
The certification of the NAIA brings to two the number of certified international airports in Nigeria, as the current minister had promised after taking office that this administration would ensure that all airports are certified.
Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo
