In a recent move to strengthen aviation safety standards, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Nigeria has taken steps to ensure compliance of the country’s airlines with international requirements. This follows a statement by the Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, that Nigeria must successfully pass the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program and obtain Category 1 status to operate in the United States.
It is critical to note that Nigeria was first granted Category 1 status in August 2010, confirming its compliance with the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. Since then, regular assessments have been conducted to maintain this classification. However, in September 2022, Nigeria was removed from the Category 1 list due to the absence of Nigerian air operators flying to the United States for two years.
It is important to note that this removal is not related to any safety or security gaps in the Nigerian aviation oversight system. In fact, Nigeria has successfully passed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety and security audits, with no significant safety or security issues identified.
It is also worth noting the efforts of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in promoting local operators’ access to the global dry-leasing market. His collaboration with international players such as AIRBUS and BOEING illustrates Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its position in the global aviation scene.
In conclusion, despite Nigeria’s removal from the Category 1 list, the country continues to rigorously adhere to international aviation safety and security standards. This development marks another step in Nigeria’s drive to strengthen its presence in the international aviation scene and promote high standards of aviation safety.