Enugu Airport Secures NCAA Aerodrome Certification Ahead of ICAO Audit

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has formally presented the Aerodrome Certificate for Akanu Ibiam International Airport (ENU) to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). This certification marks a significant milestone in enhancing the nation's aviation safety framework and aligning its infrastructure with global standards.

The certificate was presented during a ceremony at NCAA headquarters in Abuja. Speaking at the event, NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, highlighted the certification as a landmark achievement. He emphasized its importance in demonstrating Nigeria's commitment to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This development is particularly timely as the country is currently undergoing an ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM), an on-site audit designed to validate progress in resolving safety deficiencies.

Achieving this certification was the culmination of a rigorous, five-phase evaluation process mandated by Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs Part 12). The process, which requires close collaboration between the NCAA and FAAN, assesses critical areas including airport infrastructure, operational procedures, safety management systems, and personnel training to ensure compliance with ICAO Annex 14 standards for aerodrome design and operations.

Regulatory Context and ICAO Audit

The certification of Akanu Ibiam International Airport is a strategic step in preparation for ICAO's ongoing oversight activities. Nigeria is being assessed under the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), which monitors how member states fulfill their safety obligations. According to ICAO USOAP 2023 audit results, Nigeria achieved an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 70.12%. The current ICVM is intended to validate improvements made since that audit, and the Enugu airport certification will serve as key evidence of progress.

Capt. Najomo, represented by the Director of Aerodromes and Airspace Standards, Ahmad Abba, stated that the milestone is critical for the nation's performance in the audit. Successfully certifying its international airports demonstrates a proactive approach to safety and regulatory compliance.

Accepting the certificate on behalf of FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, expressed gratitude to the technical teams from both agencies. She reaffirmed FAAN's commitment to maintaining and exceeding the high operational standards required for certification across all Nigerian airports under its management.

Stakeholder and Industry Impact

The certification has significant implications for several key stakeholders. For international airlines, it enhances the credibility of Akanu Ibiam International Airport and provides the legal and safety assurance required to launch or expand international routes to Enugu. This could open up new direct connections for passengers and cargo.

For the Enugu State Economy, the certification supports its ambition to become a major international aviation hub. A fully certified international airport can attract investment, boost tourism, and facilitate trade, contributing directly to regional economic growth. For FAAN, while the certification validates its operational capabilities, it also imposes the responsibility of sustained investment to ensure the airport's infrastructure and safety protocols remain compliant.

This development follows a national strategy of phased certification for Nigeria's major airports. In 2017, both Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos received their first-ever aerodrome certifications, setting a precedent for the ongoing upgrades across the country's aviation infrastructure.

What Comes Next

With the certificate now in hand, FAAN and the NCAA will focus on presenting this achievement as evidence during the ongoing ICAO audit. The deadline for submitting evidence to the ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission is April 20, 2026. This tight timeline underscores the urgency and importance of the Enugu certification.

Beyond the audit, Nigerian aviation authorities are continuing to modernize their oversight capabilities. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is expected to achieve full operationalisation of its EMPIC regulatory and safety oversight software in May 2026. This digital platform is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of safety management, aligning with the industry trend of using technology to enhance USOAP scores.

Why This Matters

Beyond being a procedural requirement, the certification of Akanu Ibiam International Airport represents a fundamental shift towards a more robust and internationally recognized safety culture in Nigerian aviation. It demonstrates a tangible commitment to proactive safety management rather than reactive compliance. This move strengthens Nigeria's standing within the global aviation community, enhances safety for the flying public, and creates new economic opportunities through improved international connectivity.