Nigerian NCAA certifies Kano, Port Harcourt airports, boosting national

December 19, 2025 at 10:51 PM•2 min read

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority certified Kano and Port Harcourt International Airports, raising the national total to four certified gateways.

Key Points

1The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) certified Mallam Aminu Kano (MAKIA) and Port Harcourt (JOAIA) International Airports for the first time, confirming full regulatory compliance.
2This certification increases the number of NCAA-certified international airports in Nigeria to four, demonstrating adherence to ICAO Annexe 14 safety standards.
3The compliance status is expected to significantly reduce insurance premiums for the certified aerodromes, strengthening Nigeria's aviation risk profile and competitiveness.
4FAAN committed to immediately addressing the few remaining outstanding items in the corrective action plan to achieve absolute compliance with all regulatory requirements.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially certified the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) and the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt (JOAIA), confirming both facilities meet stringent regulatory and safety requirements. This landmark certification is the first for both airports and increases the number of certified international aerodromes in Nigeria to four, joining the previously certified Lagos and Abuja gateways.

NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo emphasized that the certification process was a demonstration of the authority’s commitment to ensuring every Nigerian aerodrome adheres to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 12, which domesticates ICAO Annexe 14, Volume I standards. Najomo noted that aerodrome certification is a globally recognized attestation that infrastructure is safe, operational procedures meet international benchmarks, and safety management systems are functional, assuring stakeholders that MAKIA and JOAIA have no outstanding matters of significant safety concern.

Furthermore, the NCAA chief executive highlighted the economic benefits, stating that certification significantly reduces insurance premiums and improves underwriting conditions for the airport operator, airlines, and service providers. This seal of confidence strengthens Nigeria's aviation credibility and competitiveness globally, aligning with national infrastructure renewal agendas.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, received the certificates and acknowledged the responsibility conferred by the compliance status. While assuring the NCAA of strict adherence to the outstanding items in the corrective action plan, FAAN stated that dedicated teams are already activated to address remaining gaps with urgency, viewing absolute compliance as the next critical phase in continuous improvement.