President Bola Tinubu has formally welcomed Nigeria's achievement of a 91.45 per cent Effective Implementation score in the International Civil Aviation Organization's 2026 Coordinated Validation Mission, describing the result as a testament to his administration's commitment to aviation safety reform, international standards compliance, and the development of Nigeria's aviation sector as a driver of national economic growth.
A statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Mr Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the President received the news of Nigeria's record-breaking ICAO score with considerable satisfaction, noting that the improvement from 70.23 per cent in the 2023 USOAP audit to 91.45 per cent in 2026 — surpassing the global average of 70.4 per cent — represents one of the most significant improvements in aviation safety performance recorded by any country in a comparable period.
The Significance of the Presidential Welcome
President Tinubu's formal acknowledgement of the ICAO score elevates the achievement from a technical regulatory milestone to a statement of national priority. The President's office has consistently framed aviation as central to the administration's economic diversification agenda — a sector that, if properly developed, can reduce Nigeria's dependence on oil revenues by facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and diaspora connectivity at scale.
The 91.45 per cent score places Nigeria significantly ahead of the continental curve, where only approximately 50 per cent of airports are currently certified to ICAO standards. FAAN's Director of Public Affairs, Henry Agbebire, noted that the achievement positions Nigeria for the prestigious ICAO Safety Recognition Award at the next ICAO Assembly — a global accolade that would further strengthen Nigeria's reputation as a serious aviation nation on the international stage.
The Administration's Role in the Improvement
The ICAO improvement reflects reforms initiated and sustained across the current administration, including the appointment of Capt. Chris Najomo as Director-General of Civil Aviation, the capital investment in airport safety infrastructure, the drive to certify all five Nigerian international airports — completed with the NCAA's presentation of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport certificate to FAAN in April 2026 — and the broader alignment of Nigeria's aviation regulatory framework with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, who has been commended by both FAAN and the NCAA for his leadership in driving sector-wide reforms, received specific acknowledgement from the President's office for his role in coordinating the inter-agency effort that produced the record score.
The Presidential statement committed the administration to sustaining and building on the gains recorded in the 2026 ICVM, with further investment in safety infrastructure, personnel training, and regulatory modernisation expected as Nigeria pursues its ambition to become one of Africa's leading aviation nations.
