NCAA: How FAAN closed 165 gaps to get Abuja, Lagos airports recertification

…To commence second phase exercise for other aerodromes

The Acting Director-General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo said the renewal of the aerodrome certificates for Lagos and Abuja airports – marks an important milestone in the country’s journey towards achieving excellence in aviation safety and security.

He, however, disclosed that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) got the recertification for the Lagos and Abuja airports after closing 136 items or gaps for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA, describing it as a no-mean feat.

Najomo

Najomo further disclosed that the gaps were made known, and the NCAA and FAAN since 2000 got down to the hard work of ensuring closure of the critical certification findings as required by the regulations.

Going down memory lane, Najomo said In March 2001, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council adopted a new standard that required certification of aerodromes used for international operations.

This standard he reiterated became applicable on November 27 2003 with Nigeria initially complying with this provision by certifying two international airports in 2017.

The 3-year duration of those certificates, he said lapsed in November 2020 in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations in force then.

His words, “At the expiration of Abuja and Lagos aerodrome certificates, a six-month extension was granted to FAAN to operate the aerodromes due to the COVID-19 Pandemic which we all remember had devastating effects on the aviation sector.”

“However, the extension was granted on the condition that FAAN resolve all outstanding certification CAP items and complete the re-certification process within the extension period. To be detailed, there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA, so this was no mean feat.”

The NCAA DG further said that the presentation of these certificates is not an indication that the airports are 100% compliant with safety standards but it is a testament of their compliance with the minimum certification and operating requirements based on risk assessment and presentation of an acceptable Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for continuous implementation by the aerodrome operator.

The observed non-compliances according to him have resulted in applicable restrictions and exemptions to reflect the true status of the aerodromes.

“In the meantime, the implementation of these CAPs will be monitored by our safety inspectors through post-certification surveillance activities. Therefore, we are not to rest on our oars, but rather, leave our sleeves up and keep working.”

He congratulated FAAN led by Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku on this remarkable achievement, stressing that in doing so, “I appeal for continuous maintenance of high safety standards that prioritise the safety and comfort of passengers, airport users, staff and the public.”

“I do not doubt that FAAN will align itself with these ideals. This will further ensure that subsequent certification renewal processes are seamless in keeping with my mantra of ease of doing business without compromise of standards.”

“On our part as NCAA, we remain irrevocably committed to ensuring that our airports meet the highest safety and security standards. As the regulatory body, we will continue to work closely with the airport operators to ensure consistent compliance with international best practices”, he added.

He lauded the effort of the entire certification team under the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Mr Godwin Balang.

This event he said marks the first phase of the CAA action plan for the certification of the aerodromes.

He said in the second phase, the aviation regulatory body hopes to implement the plan by certifying the remaining airports in line with the regulations and international protocols.

Wole Shadare