The Murtala Muhammed Airport International (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA),Abuja have been recertified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
This was known by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku today.
Speaking at the occasion, Kuku said, “It is with great pride and a deep sense of humility that I stand before you today as the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). We are gathered here for a momentous occasion—the presentation of the recertification for our International airports in Lagos and Abuja. This milestone is not just a reflection of our achievements but also a testament to the dedication and hard work of every individual involved in this extensive process..’
“As we celebrate this significant progress, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the relentless efforts of our airport managers and their teams. Your commitment to excellence has brought us to this pivotal point in our journey toward ensuring that our airports meet the highest international standards. Your teamwork, expertise, and unwavering dedication have made it possible for us to reach this stage, and for that, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.”
She informed t gathering that the Aerodrome certificates have not been active since 2020., adding that achieving this recertification is not just remarkable; it is a vital step in enhancing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, which has long been overdue.
This accomplishment, Kuku said is a clear indication of our commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience for all.
Speaking further,Kuku said that he recertification process is not merely a formality but that t is anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
Kuku pointed out that ICAO Annexes, particularly Annex 14, which pertains to Aerodromes, provide the framework for ensuring that Nigeria airports are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation.
This process, the FAAN boss said 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.
She added that in Abuja, the primary runway also requires continued commitment to ensure it continues to meets ICAO standards, stressing that the goal of FAAN to enhance these facilities further to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers.
Kuku stated that while we have made commendable strides in the recertification efforts, she emphasised that there is still work to be done.and that specifically, some of the runways and Airfield ghting(AFL) systems( require further attention to meet the ICAO standards fully, saying that It is crucial that FAAN continue to prioritise these improvements to enhance the safety and efficiency of FAA 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 Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, for their unwavering support throughout this process. Their leadership and vision have been instrumental in guiding us toward this achievement. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with our mission to revitalize the aviation sector and foster sustainable economic growth. Similarly, the Minister’s impressive Five-Point Agenda serves as a roadmap, emphasizing safety, security, efficiency, infrastructure development, and stakeholder engagement. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future in Nigerian aviation.”
“As we move forward, it is imperative that we maintain the momentum we have built through collaboration and shared goals. The path ahead may present challenges, but with the collective expertise and determination of our teams, I am confident that we will navigate them successfully.”
She expressed gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this recertification process specifically the airport managers and their teams in Lagos and Abuja, the Director Airport Operations and Director Engineering and of course the NCAA teams, stressing that their hard work and dedication are the foundation upon which they will continue to build a safer and more efficient aviation environment in Nigeria.
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