NCAA Certifies Akanu Ibiam Airport, Boosts Nigeria’s Aviation Safety

Nigeria has recorded another milestone in its aviation sector as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) formally presented the Aerodrome Certificate for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The certification, presented on April 14, 2026, at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, signals the airport’s full compliance with both national and international aviation safety and operational standards, further reinforcing Nigeria’s credibility in the global aviation space.
Representing the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Ahmad Abba, described the development as a major achievement that underscores Nigeria’s commitment to aviation safety, regulatory discipline, and global best practices.
He explained that the certification aligns with the stringent requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly as Nigeria prepares for the ICAO Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA), a global audit mechanism designed to assess compliance with safety oversight obligations.
According to him, the certification process followed a comprehensive five-phase framework, including detailed inspections of infrastructure, airside and landside operations, safety management systems, emergency preparedness, and personnel training. He stressed that achieving certification is not merely procedural but reflects a deep institutional commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence.
“The certification of Akanu Ibiam International Airport is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the regulator and the operator. It demonstrates that Nigeria is on track in meeting international aviation safety benchmarks,” he said.
Najomo further commended FAAN for its consistency, professionalism, and unwavering support throughout the certification process, noting that such collaboration is critical for sustaining safety standards across the country’s airports.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Agunbiade, described the certification as a collective achievement for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
She acknowledged the dedication of NCAA officials, FAAN technical teams, and other industry stakeholders whose expertise and commitment ensured the successful outcome. Kuku assured that FAAN would not relent in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards while continuing to upgrade infrastructure and service delivery across its airport network.
“This certification is not the end but a new phase of continuous improvement. We are committed to sustaining global standards and enhancing passenger experience across all our airports,” she stated.
Industry analysts believe that the certification of Akanu Ibiam International Airport will boost investor confidence, attract more international airlines, and enhance regional connectivity in the South-East. It is also expected to contribute to economic growth by facilitating trade, tourism, and business travel.
The development further reflects Nigeria’s broader ambition to position itself as a leading aviation hub in Africa, driven by regulatory efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and adherence to international safety standards.
Nigeria’s aviation sector records a major milestone as NCAA certifies Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, boosting safety compliance, global standards alignment, and investor confidence.
NCAA awards Aerodrome Certificate to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, reinforcing Nigeria’s aviation safety standards, ICAO compliance, and sector growth.