Tinubu Hails Nigeria’s 91.45% ICAO Safety Rating

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded Nigeria’s aviation sector following its record 91.45 per cent safety rating by the International Civil Aviation Organization, describing the achievement as a major boost to investor confidence and global credibility.

The rating, announced during a recent audit debriefing at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in Abuja, represents the country’s highest-ever score under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme. It places Nigeria significantly above the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent.

According to the Presidency, the score reflects Nigeria’s improved capacity to manage aviation safety risks and adhere to international standards, a key requirement for all ICAO member states. The audit, part of ICAO’s global oversight system, evaluates how effectively countries implement safety-critical measures to ensure secure and efficient air transport operations.

President Tinubu said the milestone aligns with his administration’s priority to strengthen infrastructure and position the aviation sector as a driver of economic growth. He noted that a safer aviation environment enhances Nigeria’s attractiveness for investments in airline operations, maintenance services, and aviation infrastructure.

The President also commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Festus Keyamo, for its role in achieving the feat. He highlighted the ministry’s five-point agenda, particularly its focus on strict regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in safety standards.

While celebrating the progress, Tinubu urged the ministry and relevant agencies to sustain momentum by fully implementing recommendations made by ICAO auditors. He emphasized that maintaining and surpassing the current rating would further consolidate Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading aviation hub in Africa and beyond.

The ICAO, a United Nations agency responsible for coordinating global air navigation standards, conducts periodic audits to ensure member states meet international safety benchmarks, directly influencing global confidence in national airspaces.