Nigeria’s aviation safety rating will come under global scrutiny on April 22, 2026, as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) releases the outcome of its audit of the country’s safety oversight system.
The ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) team is currently in Abuja for a 14-day follow-up inspection to assess progress made since Nigeria recorded 70.12 per cent compliance in 2023.
The audit is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of corrective actions taken by the country to address previously identified deficiencies and align with global aviation safety standards.
For the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigeria has implemented several corrective measures, including the deployment of safety management software, training of over 100 aviation inspectors, and certification of international airports in line with international requirements.
While Nigeria’s previous score placed it within acceptable safety margins, an improved rating is expected to strengthen global confidence in the country’s aviation system.
The audit exercise commenced on April 15 and is expected to conclude on April 22, 2026.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
