Nigeria: Major Leap in Aviation Safety with 91.45% ICAO Audit Score

Nigeria’s aviation sector has reached a significant milestone. Following the Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization between April 15 and 22, 2026, in Abuja, the country achieved an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 91.45%. This performance firmly positions Nigeria among Africa’s leading countries in aviation safety oversight.

Strong progress since 2023

This result marks a substantial improvement from the 2023 USOAP-CMA audit, where Nigeria scored 70.12%, below global benchmarks. In less than three years, authorities have addressed a significant portion of identified gaps through a structured approach combining root cause analysis and ICAO-validated Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).

This progress reflects a shift in the pace and quality of safety governance, driven by stronger coordination between regulators, operators, and technical agencies.

According to Chris Ona Najomo, Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the ICVM serves as a critical tool to assess not only internal oversight performance but also external risks that could impact aviation safety.

The exercise helps identify remaining weaknesses while consolidating gains, particularly in:

• regulatory oversight
• operational safety
• compliance with international standards

Final validation of the results remains subject to further review by ICAO’s Safety and Air Navigation Oversight Audit Section.

Broad institutional mobilisation

The success of the mission reflects coordinated engagement across Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. In addition to the NCAA, key institutions involved include:

• the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria
• the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau
• the Nigerian Meteorological Agency
• the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency

Support from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Festus Keyamo, as well as technical backing from the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation, also played a key role.

A strong signal for market attractiveness

Beyond technical performance, the score sends a clear signal to investors, airlines, and international partners. Strong safety oversight is a prerequisite for:

• opening new international routes
• increasing flight frequencies
• developing regional hub operations

In a continent where air connectivity remains a critical driver of economic integration, Nigeria strengthens its position as a leading aviation market.

Next step: sustain and consolidate gains

While this progress is significant, the key challenge now is maintaining this level of compliance over time. This will require:

• rigorous follow-up on ICAO recommendations
• continuous regulatory updates
• sustained investment in skills and systems

With a score above 90%, Nigeria is now aligned with global best practices. The next step is to convert this achievement into a lasting competitive advantage for its aviation industry.