The acting director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt Chris Najomo, on Friday presented certificates of recertification of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja to the managing g director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held in Abuja, Kuku described the event as a “momentous occasion.”
She said the “milestone is not just a reflection of our achievements but also a testament to the dedication and hard work of every individual involved in this extensive process.”
She noted that the aerodrome certificates had not been active since 2020.
“Therefore, achieving this recertification is not just remarkable; it is a vital step in enhancing our aviation infrastructure, which has long been overdue.
“This accomplishment is a clear indication of our commitment to providing a safe and efficient air travel experience for all.
“The recertification process is not merely a formality; it is anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“As you may be aware, the ICAO Annexes, particularly Annex 14, which pertains to Aerodromes, provide the framework for ensuring that our airports are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation.
“This process involves rigorous assessments of our facilities, including runway conditions and airfield lighting systems, to ensure compliance with these global standards,” she said.
The managing director also highlighted the ongoing assessments and improvements regarding the two primary runways in Lagos 18R.
“The runways are crucial for our operations, and their conditions directly influence the efficiency and safety of air traffic.
“We are also focusing our attention on the taxiways A, B, and C, which are vital connectors that facilitate the smooth movement of aircraft on the ground.
“In Abuja, the primary runway also requires our continued commitment to ensure it continues to meets ICAO standards.
“Our goal is to enhance these facilities further to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers,” she said.
Kuku further said FAAN had made commendable strides in the recertification efforts, there was still much work to do.
Specifically, some of our runways and airfield lighting systems require further attention to meet the ICAO standards fully.
“It is crucial that we continue to prioritize these improvements to enhance the safety and efficiency of our operations.
“We are committed to addressing these challenges head-on, and I assure you that we will allocate the necessary resources to expedite these improvements,” she said.
She added: “As we move forward, it is imperative that we maintain the momentum we have built through collaboration and shared goals.
“The path ahead may present challenges, but with the collective expertise and determination of our teams, I am confident that we will navigate them successfully.
She used the opportunity to acknowledge the relentless efforts of the airport managers and their teams saying their commitment to excellence “has brought us to this pivotal point in our journey toward ensuring that our airports meet the highest international standards.”
Besides, she said their teamwork, expertise, and unwavering dedication contributed to the recertification of the aerodromes.
