Chinedu Eze
Lately the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued aerodrome certificates for the Mallam Aminu Kano Worldwide Airport (MAKIA) and Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo Worldwide Airport, Port Harcourt (JOAIA).
Because of this 4 main worldwide airports in Nigeria operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), have been licensed because the Murtala Muhammed Worldwide Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Worldwide Airport, Abuja have been recertified in November 2024.
Aerodrome certification signifies that these airports have met the Worldwide Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements. ICAO customary stipulates that airports should show strong Security Administration System (SMS), competent workers, ample amenities (rescue, firefighting, lighting), clear impediment clearance, and operational readiness with authorized manuals and process.
It contains guaranteeing ongoing compliance with Annex 14 requirements for protected, uniform operations worldwide. Annexe 14 requirements units international Customary and Advisable Practices (SARPs) for airport design and operations.
Trade insiders stated that FAAN administration headed by Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, expressed dedication to see these two main airports licensed after gaps have been recognized within the final audit carried out by ICAO and has deployed human and materials assets to make it occur and the efforts embrace facility improve, manpower coaching and lighting and marking of airport ramps and taxiways, as some pilots confirmed that the airport markings have been completely revamped.
Throughout media briefing concerning the certification, the Director Common, NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, stated the method was not merely procedural, however, it was, certainly, an indication of the NCAA’s unwavering dedication to making sure that each aerodrome in Nigeria meets the necessities prescribed within the Nigeria Civil Aviation Laws 2023 Half 12, Vol. I which represents the domesticated model of ICAO Annex 14, Quantity I.
In line with Najomo, “The FAAN Managing Director will recall the in depth journey of cooperation and collaboration which have introduced us to this momentous event. Over the previous months, NCAA carried out a number of inspections, issued Corrective Motion Notices (CANs), and obtained from FAAN a sequence of Corrective Motion Plans (CAPs) addressing recognized hole at each airports.
Najomo additionally stated, “I’m happy to state that by diligent collaboration and sustained effort, each MAKIA and JOAIA have now been adjudged compliant, and don’t have any issues of great security concern excellent.
“With right now’s certification, the entire variety of Nigeria’s worldwide airports which were issued aerodrome certificates rises to 4 out of the 5 designated worldwide airports in Nigeria; the sooner licensed airports being Murtala Muhammed Worldwide Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe Worldwide Airport, Abuja.”
THISDAY spoke to the previous Director Common of NCAA and likewise former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Administration Company (NAMA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu, who stated that the certification is commendable as a result of it confirms that the 4 airports so licensed have met ICAO requirements, noting that Nigeria has many airports however solely a few of them are designated worldwide airports.
Akinkuotu stated these airports will over time be recognised by the worldwide aviation group and this has some advantages for Nigeria, the airport administration and each home and worldwide airways, including that with ICAO certification of those airports, worldwide airways that function to them could be recognized as working to ICAO licensed airports and Nigerian airways could have downward overview of their plane insurance coverage premium.
He additionally noticed that ICAO will within the close to future conduct its personal regular audit of NCAA because it does at intervals and its score of those airports can have international affect and score by airways and insurance coverage firms that insure plane operated by airways that use the airports.
THISDAY additionally spoke to the Managing Director/CEO, 7 Star World Hangar Nigeria Restricted, Isaac Balami, who counseled FAAN Administration, NCAA and the Minister of Aviation and Aeronautical Improvement for his or her consistency to ensure that the airports met these essential circumstances required for the certification.
Balami stated the certification was a superb step in the precise course, noting that it was lengthy overdue, remarking that earlier administrations at NCAA and FAAN lacked the braveness and push to do what the present managements have carried out. He stated the certification of the airports have pushed them as much as the worldwide stage, stating that the certification of the airports would result in downward overview of plane insurance coverage premium by insurers and it could additionally scale back nation danger additional after the efforts made by the Minister that elevated Nigeria’s score final yr.
“This may result in discount on plane insurance coverage premium, there might be higher cargo dealing with, enchancment in techniques and processes, all of the packing containers must be ticked. The certification will contact on points like chicken strike mitigation, different vitality sources, perimeter fencing, safety, so many circumstances to fulfill. So, I congratulate the Managing Director of FAAN, Director Common of NCAA and the Minister for the commendable collaboration,” Balami stated.
The FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Kuku, who felt happy that every one the work put in assembly the necessities and shutting earlier recognized gaps, stated, “At present, we rejoice a monumental feat, however I want to spotlight that the true success story right here is exemplary interagency cooperation. It’s with a profound sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that I stand earlier than you right now on this extremely vital event. On behalf of the Board, Administration, and your complete workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, I specific our deepest gratitude to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, below the esteemed management of the Director Common, for this landmark occasion—the formal issuance of Aerodrome Certificates for Mallam Aminu Kano Worldwide Airport, Kano, and Obafemi Awolowo Worldwide Airport, Port Harcourt.
Mrs Kuku gave particulars of the processes and process the company went by to fulfill the circumstances stipulated by ICAO.
“The journey to this certification was rigorous, outlined by a sequence of meticulous inspections, constructive dialogue, and the diligent trade of Corrective Motion Notices and Plans. The NCAA, in its important position as our regulator, was not simply an overseer however a vital companion in guaranteeing our strict compliance with customary and really helpful practices. Your crew offered clear steerage, rigorous scrutiny, and invaluable technical counsel all through your complete course of. Conversely, our FAAN groups in Kano and Port Harcourt, supported by our headquarters, demonstrated an unwavering dedication to assembly and exceeding these stringent necessities.”
Kuku additionally remarked that the partnership, the place the regulator guides and the operator implements, is the very mannequin of find out how to collectively elevate Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
“At present’s certificates are, subsequently, a shared trophy, earned by a collaborative spirit that places nationwide curiosity and security above all else. We obtain these certificates with humility and a transparent understanding of the accountability they confer. We acknowledge the Authority’s observe relating to the excellent gadgets within the corrective motion plan. Let me guarantee the NCAA of our strict adherence to this corrective motion plan,” she stated.
As Balami famous, it takes dedication, braveness and dedication to set targets and obtain them. The present FAAN administration has achieved goal objectives and is poised to attain extra within the New Yr. It must be famous that the recertification of the Lagos airport occurred below Mrs. Kuku after a hiatus of over six years.
