Nigeria has recorded a 91.45 percent aviation safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), marking the country’s highest score since global safety audits began under the agency’s oversight programme in 1999.
The result was announced during a debriefing by an ICAO audit team at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja, according to a State House statement issued on Thursday.
The Presidency said the score was measured under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), which evaluates how effectively countries implement international aviation safety standards and manage safety risks.
“During a recent debriefing by the ICAO audit team at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the lead auditor announced that Nigeria had recorded an impressive 91.45% Effective Implementation (EI) score – the highest ever for Nigeria,” the statement said.
ICAO, a United Nations specialised agency, coordinates international air navigation standards and works with member states to improve the safety, security and efficiency of global air transport systems.
According to the Presidency, Nigeria’s latest score places it above both the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent.
“The regional average of West Africa is 61.1%, and the global average is 70.4%. Nigeria is thus well positioned above the regional and global ratings,” the statement added.
Industry analysts often view strong ICAO audit outcomes as important indicators of regulatory capacity, safety compliance and institutional oversight. Higher scores can also improve a country’s standing with international airlines, investors, aircraft lessors and aviation service providers.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy by GDP and one of the continent’s busiest aviation markets, has in recent years sought to modernise airport infrastructure, improve airline operations and strengthen regulatory supervision.
The statement linked the latest result to reforms under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Festus Keyamo. It said one of the ministry’s priorities had been “to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and the continuous upward movement of Nigeria’s ICAO rating.”
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the audit outcome and said it reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The statement said the President believed the rating “affirms the nation’s aviation safety standards and makes it a more attractive destination for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations.”
However, the Presidency said Tinubu also directed the ministry to sustain reforms and act on the audit team’s recommendations.
“President Tinubu urges the Ministry not to relent but to review and implement every recommendation that the ICAO auditors made during this mission to ensure that Nigeria not only maintains, but goes even further on the rating,” the statement said.
Nigeria has undergone four ICAO safety audits since the USOAP programme began.
