Tinubu Hails Nigeria’s Record 91.45% ICAO Aviation Safety Rating
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s impressive 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating awarded by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), describing it as a major boost to the country’s global reputation and investor confidence.
The President said the rating reflects Nigeria’s growing compliance with international aviation safety standards and reinforces efforts to position the country as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
The score was announced during a recent debriefing by the ICAO audit team at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), where the lead auditor disclosed that Nigeria recorded a 91.45 per cent Effective Implementation (EI) score — the highest ever attained by the country.
The rating places Nigeria significantly above the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent.
ICAO, a United Nations agency responsible for coordinating global air navigation standards and promoting safe, orderly growth of international air transport, conducts safety assessments through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).
Through the programme, member states are evaluated on their ability to manage aviation safety risks and maintain critical oversight systems.
President Tinubu noted that since assuming office, his administration has prioritised infrastructure and transportation as key drivers of economic growth, with a focus on building a safe, secure, and efficient aviation sector capable of meeting international best practices.
He also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for pursuing reforms under a five-point agenda designed to strengthen the Nigerian aviation value chain.
According to the President, the latest rating validates ongoing efforts to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and continuous improvement in aviation standards.
Tinubu said the achievement would make Nigeria more attractive to investors in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations.
He, however, urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development not to relent, but to implement all recommendations made by ICAO auditors to ensure Nigeria sustains and surpasses its current rating.