Lagos, Abuja airports receive full NCAA certification

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, have acquired full certification from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

According to NCAA’s Acting Director General, Mr. Chris Najomo, who spoke during the presentation of certificates to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria’s aerodrome certificates had been inactive since 2020.

Najomo said although Nigeria has made significant progress in recertification efforts, there is still more work to be done to ensure full compliance with international aviation standards.

According to him, some of the country’s runways and airfield lighting systems require further attention to fully meet the International Civil Aviation.

He said: “The recertification process is not merely a formality; it is anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (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 meet ICAO standards. Our goal is to enhance these facilities further to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers.”