Nigeria did well in the recent International Civil Aviation Organisation Universal Safety Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach-CMA.
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, shared this information on Saturday.
FAAN explained that the USAP-CMA aimed to improve global aviation security by regularly checking and overseeing member states’ aviation security performance to enhance their compliance and oversight capabilities.
The results of the audit were discussed during the Audit Debrief session, led by Team Lead Callum Vine, on March 22, at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority headquarters in Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, Emmanuel Meribole, who represented the Minister, and the acting Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, were present at the debrief.
According to FAAN, ensuring aviation safety involved regularly collecting and analyzing data on member states’ aviation security performance.
This included evaluating how well member states implemented critical elements within their aviation security oversight systems and ensuring compliance with the Standards of Annex 17—Security and relevant security-related Standards of Annex 9 — Facilitation.
In response, Vine praised Nigeria for performing well in most key areas, particularly for having strong policies and agencies with clear responsibilities for airport security.
He commended the country for quickly addressing identified issues efficiently and without complaints.
Vine also mentioned that ICAO would provide a detailed report of the audit to Nigeria within 60 days.
After that, Nigeria will have 30 days to provide feedback and then will be expected to propose a plan outlining steps to meet the organization’s standards.
During the debrief, FAAN's Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, explained that the authority will use the audit results as a guide to improve services for airport users and stakeholders.
She urged all stakeholders to work closely together, share best practices, and remain vigilant in maintaining top security standards in Nigeria's aviation industry.
Kuku expressed thanks to all government agencies, security bodies, government institutions, and heads of aviation agencies for their valuable contributions to this remarkable achievement.
