The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday presented the renewed Aerodrome Certificates for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja (NAIA) and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The acting Director General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, while presenting the certificates to the Managing Director, FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku in Abuja, he hinted that at the expiration of NAIA and MMIA aerodrome certificates, a six-month extension was granted to FAAN to operate the aerodromes due to the COVID-19 pandemic which had devastating effects on the aviation sector.
Najomo said the certificates were granted on the condition that FAAN resolves all outstanding certification items and completes the re-certification process within the extension period.
He added that there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA.
“So this was no mean feat. Since then, NCAA and FAAN got down to the hard work of ensuring closure of the critical certification findings as required by the regulations.
“I have deliberately taken us down this memory lane in order to have a proper perspective of what is being celebrated here today,” Najomo said.
He recalled that in March 2001, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) adopted a new standard that required certification of aerodromes used for international operations.
This standard Najomo said became applicable 27th November of 2003. “Nigeria initially complied with this provision by certifying two international airports in 2017. The three-year duration of those certificates lapsed in November 2020 in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations in force then.
“For further emphasis, today’s ceremony – the renewal of the aerodrome certificates – mark an important milestone in our journey towards achieving excellence in aviation safety and security. It is an attestation to the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, in particular, and ultimately Mr. President through his Renewed Hope Agenda in general.
“I must reiterate that the presentation of these certificates is not an indication that the airports are 100 per cent compliant with safety standards but it is a testament of their compliance with the minimum certification and operating requirements based on risk assessment and presentation of an acceptable Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for continuous implementation by the aerodrome operator.”
The NCAA boss further explained that the observed non compliances have resulted into applicable restrictions and exemptions to reflect the true status of the aerodromes, stating “In the meantime, the implementation of these CAPs will be monitored by our safety inspectors through post certification surveillance activities. Therefore, we are not to rest on our oars but rather leave our sleeves up and keep working.
“I congratulate the airport operator, FAAN led by the current MD, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku on this remarkable achievement. In doing so, I appeal for continuous maintenance of high safety standards that prioritise the safety and comfort of passengers, airport users, staff and the public.
“I have no doubt that FAAN will align itself with these ideals. This will further ensure that subsequent certification renewal processes are seamless in keeping with my mantra of ease-of-doing-business without compromise of standards.
“On our part as NCAA, we remain irrevocably committed to ensuring that our airports meet the highest safety and security standards. As the regulatory body, we will continue to work closely with the airport operators to ensure consistent compliance with international best practices.”
Continuing, he said the event marks the first phase of the CAAs action plan for the certification of the aerodromes. “In the second phase, we hope to implement the plan by certifying the remaining airports in line with the regulations and international protocols.
