NCAA Renews Abuja, Lagos Airports’ Aerodrome Certificates

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

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.

“At this juncture I must commend the entire certification team under the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang. Excellence is truly commendable. Once again, I welcome you all,” Najomo stated.

Responding, the MD FAAN stressed that the country’s aerodrome certificates have not been active since 2020 and therefore, achieving this recertification is not just remarkable; but a vital step in enhancing the aviation infrastructure which has long been overdue.

Kuku said that the accomplishment is a clear indication of the sector’s commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience for all.

“The recertification process is not merely a formality; it is anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). As you may be aware, the ICAO Annexes, particularly Annex 14, which pertains to Aerodromes, provide the framework for ensuring that our airports are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation.

“This process involves rigorous assessments of our facilities, including runway conditions and airfield lighting systems, to ensure compliance with these global standards.

“Specifically, I would like to highlight the ongoing assessments and improvements regarding the two primary runways in Lagos 18R. The runways are crucial for our operations, and their conditions directly influence the efficiency and safety of air traffic.

“We are also focusing our attention on the taxiways A, B, and C, which are vital connectors that facilitate the smooth movement of aircraft on the ground. In Abuja, the primary runway also requires our continued commitment to ensure it continues to meets ICAO standards. Our goal is to enhance these facilities further to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers,” she said.

She further added that while the country has made commendable strides in the recertification efforts, however emphasised that there is still work to be done.

She said specifically that some of the country’s runways and airfield lighting systems require further attention to meet the ICAO standards fully, adding that it is crucial that the country continues to prioritise these improvements to enhance the safety and efficiency of our operations.

“We are committed to addressing these challenges head-on, and I assure you that we will allocate the necessary resources to expedite these improvements.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, for their unwavering support throughout this process,” she said.