The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted aerodrome certification to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, and the Port Harcourt International Airport, confirming that both facilities have met the required regulatory and safety standards.
The certification marks the first time the two airports have received such approval from the NCAA and brings to four the number of certified international airports in Nigeria. Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, were previously certified.
Speaking at the presentation of the certificates to Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), at the NCAA corporate headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Chris Najomo, Director-General of the NCAA, described the development as a historic milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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Najomo explained that the certification process was not merely procedural but a clear demonstration of the NCAA’s commitment to ensuring that all aerodromes in the country meet the requirements prescribed in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, Part 12, Volume I, which domesticate the provisions of ICAO Annex 14, Volume I.
He noted that both airports had been adjudged compliant, with no significant safety concerns outstanding, adding that aerodrome certification is a globally recognised attestation that airport infrastructure is safe, operational procedures meet international benchmarks, and safety management systems are effective.
According to him, the certification would also have financial and commercial benefits, particularly in reducing insurance premiums for the aerodromes.
“Certification strengthens the airport’s risk profile in the eyes of insurers, often resulting in more favourable insurance premiums and improved underwriting conditions for both the aerodrome operator and, in some cases, airlines and service providers operating at the airport. For airlines, investors and the travelling public, this certificate is a seal of confidence,” Najomo said.
He added that the achievement aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s five-point agenda, which prioritise infrastructure renewal, institutional strengthening and improved service delivery across strategic sectors of the economy.
“For Nigeria, it is another step towards strengthening our aviation credibility and competitiveness. I dare say that it aligns with the Honourable Minister’s 5-point agenda in particular, and President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in general which emphasize infrastructure renewal, institutional strengthening, and improved service delivery across strategic national sectors, including aviation” he stated.
The NCAA boss further reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to continuous compliance with civil aviation regulations and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, robust safety management systems, technology-driven operations and transparent, quality-driven processes to support sustainable growth in the aviation industry.
In her remarks, Kuku said the Authority received the certificates with humility and a strong sense of responsibility.
She acknowledged the outstanding items contained in the corrective action plan and assured the NCAA of FAAN’s strict adherence to addressing them. According to her, dedicated teams and processes have already been activated to resolve all outstanding issues with urgency and precision.
Kuku described the certification of the two international airports as a strategic pillar for growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that it would reinforce airline confidence, assure passengers of world-class safety standards and enhance Nigeria’s global aviation standing.
Earlier, Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the NCAA, said the certification followed multiple inspections and assessments conducted by NCAA inspectors to ensure compliance with technical, operational and safety requirements under Nig. CARs Part 12, Volume I, supported by relevant advisory circulars.
He explained that most identified gaps had been satisfactorily addressed, with applicable restrictions invoked to align the issued certificates with prevailing realities, assuring that the NCAA would continue surveillance through periodic inspections, audits and enforcement where necessary.
