The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued Aerodrome Certificates to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, and the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The certificates were presented to FAAN at a formal ceremony held in Kano, on Friday.
An Aerodome certificate is a testament issued by the NCAA as proof that an airport is safe, properly managed and compliant with international aviation rules.
It is expected to be a significant boost to aviation safety and regulatory compliance in the country.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, expressed appreciation to the NCAA, describing the development as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“It is with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment that I stand before you today on this highly significant occasion. On behalf of the Board, Management and the entire staff of FAAN, I express our deepest gratitude to the NCAA, under the leadership of its Director General, for the formal issuance of the Aerodrome Certificate,” she said.
Kuku noted that the certification exercise went beyond a routine regulatory requirement, noting that it underscored resilience, dedication and a shared commitment to global aviation safety standards.
“This ceremony is not merely a procedural formality; it is a powerful testament to resilience, dedication and our collective commitment to the highest standards of aviation safety in Nigeria,” she added.
Kuku pointed out that the journey to certification was rigorous, involving multiple inspections, detailed technical evaluations and continuous engagement through corrective action notices exchanged between the regulator and the airport operator.
“The true success story here is exemplary inter-agency cooperation, The NCAA was not just an overseer, but a crucial partner, providing guidance, rigorous scrutiny and invaluable technical counsel throughout the process,” she added.
She commended FAAN staff at the Kano airport, with support from the authority’s headquarters, for what she described as their unwavering commitment to meeting stringent international requirements. She added that the collaborative approach between the regulator and the operator should serve as a model for strengthening aviation infrastructure across the country.
“Today’s certificate is a shared trophy, earned through a collaborative spirit that places national interest and safety above all else,” Kuku added.
While acknowledging that some items remain outstanding under the corrective action plan, Kuku assured the NCAA of FAAN’s determination to achieve full compliance.
“We receive this certificate with humility and a clear understanding of the responsibility it confers. Dedicated teams have been activated to address all outstanding items with urgency and precision. Our goal is absolute compliance,” she stated.
The managing director further noted that the certification of major international airports such as Kano and Port Harcourt would boost airline confidence, reassure passengers and enhance Nigeria’s reputation in the global aviation community.
“It is a clear signal that our airports are operated with integrity, professionalism and in strict adherence to international benchmarks,” Kuku added.
