Nigeria scales global aviation safety, security audit 

Nigeria has excelled in the just concluded International Civil Aviation Organisation Universal Safety Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach-CMA.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Obiageli Orah, revealed this in a statement on Saturday evening.

“The objective of the USAP-CMA was to promote global aviation security through continuous auditing and monitoring of member states’ aviation security performance to enhance their aviation security compliance and oversight capabilities,” FAAN said.

The outcome of the audit was highlighted during the Audit Debrief session, chaired by Team Lead Callum Vine, on Friday, March 22, at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority headquarters located in the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In attendance at the debrief were 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.

According to FAAN, achieving aviation safety objective involved the regular and continuous collection and analysis of data about member states’ aviation security performance.

This includes evaluating the implementation level of critical elements within their aviation security oversight systems and assessing compliance with the Standards of Annex 17—Security and relevant security-related Standards of Annex 9 — Facilitation.

Commenting on the result, Vine, Nigeria has performed admirably across most key indicators, earning praise for its robust policies and agencies with clear mandates on airport security.

He commended the country for its swift response to identified deficiencies, noting the efficiency with which personnel addressed them without any complaints.

Vine further elaborated that the comprehensive report of the audit will be furnished to Nigeria by ICAO within 60 days.

Subsequently, the country will have 30 days to provide comments, followed by the expectation to submit a plan outlining steps to achieve compliance with the organization’s standards.

During the debriefing, the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, explained that the authority will utilize the audit results as a guiding roadmap for the ongoing enhancement of services provided to airport users and stakeholders.

She called upon all stakeholders to collaborate closely, exchange best practices, and remain vigilant in upholding the highest standards of security within the Nigerian aviation industry.

Kuku expressed gratitude to all government agencies, security bodies, government institutions, and heads of aviation agencies for their invaluable contributions to this remarkable achievement.