Tinubu hails Nigeria’s historic 91.45% ICAO aviation safety score

President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s record 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating awarded by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), describing it as a major boost for the country’s aviation sector and investor confidence.

The score, announced during a recent debriefing by ICAO auditors at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja, is Nigeria’s highest-ever Effective Implementation (EI) rating under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).

Nigeria’s new score places it well above the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent.

Reacting to the development, President Tinubu said the rating “affirms the nation’s aviation safety standards and makes it a more attractive destination for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations.”

He added that his administration remains committed to enhancing infrastructure and transportation as drivers of economic growth, while positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub that meets global standards.

The President also commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for the achievement.

He urged the ministry “not to relent but to review and implement every recommendation that the ICAO auditors made during this mission to ensure that Nigeria not only maintains, but goes even further on the rating.”

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo had earlier outlined a five-point agenda for the sector, with strict compliance with safety regulations and continuous improvement of Nigeria’s ICAO rating as a top priority.