NCAA certifies Kano and Port Harcourt airports, boosting Nigerian aviation safety.

December 19, 2025 at 04:50 PM•2 min read

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued aerodrome certificates to Kano and Port Harcourt airports, strengthening safety compliance.

Key Points

1NCAA formally certified Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and Obafemi Awolowo International Airport after months of audits and implementation of corrective action plans.
2The certification process, managed jointly by NCAA and FAAN, aims to align Nigerian airports with internationally accepted safety and operational benchmarks.
3FAAN committed to resolving all outstanding issues under the corrective action framework, emphasizing that certification requires continuous improvement and compliance with Nig.CARs Part 12.
4NCAA warned that operations at domestic aerodromes without required permits will be suspended effective January 1, 2026, stressing the urgency of compliance.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued aerodrome certificates to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano) and the Obafemi Awolowo International Airport (Port Harcourt). This certification follows months of rigorous inspections, audits, and the implementation of corrective action plans designed to align the facilities with prescribed international standards and recommended practices. Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), hailed the achievement as a reflection of institutional discipline and effective collaboration between the regulator and the airport operator.

FAAN acknowledged the technical guidance provided by the NCAA throughout the process, noting that the certification enhances confidence among airlines and passengers while strengthening Nigeria’s reputation in the global aviation community. While receiving the certificates, Mrs. Kuku assured the NCAA of FAAN's full commitment to resolving all outstanding issues within the corrective action framework, emphasizing that certification mandates a continuous process of improvement. Specialized teams have been deployed by FAAN to ensure the timely completion of all pending actions.

Engr. Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS) at the NCAA, highlighted the significance of the certification, noting that some of these aerodromes had never previously undergone formal certification. He stressed that the certification is not a terminal point but the beginning of a regulated cycle of compliance, requiring FAAN to maintain critical infrastructure serviceability, update aerodrome manuals, and sustain an effective Safety Management System (SMS) in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) Part 12.

Balang also warned that the effective date for the suspension of operations at airports without appropriate permits remains January 1, 2026. He urged FAAN and other aerodrome operators nationwide to engage the NCAA for guidance and compliance ahead of this critical deadline, reinforcing the NCAA’s commitment to adopting a more risk-based and data-driven oversight approach.