Tinubu Celebrates Nigeria’s Record 91.45% Aviation Safety Score, Urges Sustained Reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Nigeria’s aviation sector following a landmark 91.45 percent safety rating by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), describing it as a strong validation of the country’s commitment to global safety standards.

The ICAO, a United Nations agency responsible for regulating and coordinating international air navigation, awarded the score under its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), which evaluates how effectively countries manage aviation safety risks.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the rating represents Nigeria’s highest-ever performance since it began participating in ICAO safety audits in 1999. The assessment is based on Effective Implementation (EI) scores, which measure a country’s compliance with international aviation safety standards.

The milestone was announced during a debriefing session by ICAO auditors at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja.

With the new rating, Nigeria now significantly outperforms both the West African regional average of 61.1 percent and the global average of 70.4 percent, positioning the country as a leading aviation hub on the continent. The improved score is expected to boost investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s credibility in the global aviation space.

President Tinubu noted that his administration had prioritised infrastructure and transportation, particularly the aviation sector, as key drivers of economic growth. He reiterated the goal of building a safe, secure, and efficient aviation industry capable of meeting and surpassing international standards.

In line with this vision, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier unveiled a five-point agenda aimed at strengthening the aviation value chain, with strict adherence to safety regulations as a central pillar.

The President praised the ministry for the achievement, stating that the rating reinforces Nigeria’s attractiveness for investments in aviation infrastructure, maintenance services, and airline operations.

He, however, urged stakeholders not to be complacent, calling for the full implementation of all ICAO audit recommendations to ensure sustained progress and further improvements in the country’s aviation safety performance.