ICAO, a United Nations agency, oversees global aviation standards and ensures the safe and orderly development of international air transport through its regulatory frameworks and audits.

Under its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), ICAO evaluates member states on their ability to manage aviation safety risks using Effective Implementation (EI) scores.

At a recent debriefing held at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja, ICAO auditors announced that Nigeria achieved an EI score of 91.45 per cent—its highest rating since joining the programme in 1999.

The score places Nigeria significantly above both the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent, reinforcing international confidence in the country’s aviation system and regulatory oversight.

President Tinubu noted that the achievement aligns with his administration’s priority of strengthening infrastructure and transportation as key drivers of economic growth.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub that meets and exceeds international standards.

In line with this vision, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has outlined a five-point agenda for the sector, with strict adherence to safety regulations and continuous improvement in ICAO ratings as a top priority.

The President commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies for the achievement, stating that it enhances Nigeria’s attractiveness for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance services, and airline operations.
He also urged stakeholders in the sector to sustain the momentum by fully implementing ICAO’s recommendations to maintain and further improve the country’s safety rating.

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He shared this update after holding a lengthy discussion with representatives from the Federal Ministry of  Petroleum Resources, airline executives, fuel suppliers, and other industry participants. The gathering was organised in response to the steep rise in aviation fuel costs, which operators have described as increasingly difficult to manage.

Keyamo said that Bola Tinubu has authorised a substantial reduction on some unpaid charges owed by airlines to the government. He noted that the measure is designed to offer quick support to the sector and help avoid disruptions in air travel.

He further disclosed that the President will soon set up a dedicated panel to assess and cut down the numerous duties and charges currently included in ticket prices. According to him, this plan aims to lessen the financial load on both carriers and travellers while strengthening the long-term viability of the aviation sector.

This move comes at a time of rising concern across the industry over escalating Jet A1 fuel prices, which operators warn could seriously affect ongoing operations and the stability of air travel within the country.

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At a ceremony held at the Government House, the governor presented contract award letters to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Gamji Nigeria Limited, the firms selected to execute the project.

The airport project, located in Zariagi area of Lokoja, is part of the administration’s broader strategy to stimulate economic growth, enhance transportation networks, and attract both local and foreign investment.

Speaking at the event, Ododo described the initiative as a strategic investment that will improve connectivity and position Kogi State as a hub for trade and commerce.

The development is expected to open up the state to greater business opportunities while strengthening its role in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

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According to statement released by Henry Agbebire, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, via the agency’s official X account, that, the suspects were apprehended today after a distress alert reported the presence of suspicious individuals behind the airport perimeter, close to the Eleyewo community in Akure.

The alert prompted an immediate response from security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other local security outfits.

During the search operation, some individuals reportedly attempted to flee the area. However, four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team.

FAAN said the suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation and investigation.

The authority commended the swift collaboration among aviation security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups, including the Amotekun Corps and community vigilantes, whose combined efforts led to the successful arrest.

FAAN also noted that the incident underscores the need to strengthen security around airport perimeters across the country.

It added that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of the Presidency under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated the installation of modern perimeter fencing and other security infrastructure at airports nationwide.

According to the agency, work on the project has already commenced in phases to ensure airports under FAAN’s management are better protected against unlawful access and other security threats.

FAAN reassured travellers and host communities of its commitment to maintaining the safety and security of airport facilities across Nigeria.

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the directive on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House, Abuja, and presided over by the President. Pls

According to Keyamo, the cashless policy — introduced to curb corruption and enhance transparency in revenue collection — instead led to severe congestion, particularly at the Lagos and Abuja airports.

“The idea behind introducing a cashless system was to eliminate corruption at the airports,” the minister said. “However, its implementation created significant gridlock, and Nigerians have suffered delays as a result.”

He explained that President Tinubu directed an immediate return to the previous payment arrangement pending improvements to the system.

“Mr President has directed that we suspend the current system because it is causing congestion. He said we should revert to the status quo while we perfect the platform properly,” Keyamo stated.

The President also instructed that the review of the electronic payment platform be carried out urgently, with greater private sector engagement to ensure a seamless process that does not disrupt passenger movement.

“The President said we should work with the private sector to develop a more efficient electronic system that can collect revenue without causing delays,” the minister added.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had commenced implementation of the cashless policy on March 1, barring cash payments at airport toll gates and requiring motorists to use prepaid access cards or electronic payment channels.

However, the rollout resulted in long queues at toll points, with some passengers reportedly missing flights due to extended waiting times.

Keyamo assured that consultations with FAAN and other stakeholders would continue to ensure a smoother and more efficient payment system going forward.

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The agreement was formalized by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Cameroon’s Transport Minister, Jean Ernest Ngalle Bibehe, and is designed to strengthen joint operations, communication, and coordination between the two countries’ Rescue Coordination Centres.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing safety, regional integration, and the protection of citizens’ lives.

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The authority said the temporary congestion recorded at the access gates of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday, March 1, 2026, was largely due to last-minute card registrations by motorists despite prior notices and publicity ahead of the rollout.

FAAN expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its commitment to streamlining the process in line with the Federal Government’s cashless policy directive.

 FAAN on its x handle acknowledges the traffic build-up experienced at the access gates on sunday march 1st. 

The authority says despite the wide publicity, notices, and repeated announcements issued ahead of the commencement date, a significant number of motorists opted to register for their go cashless cards at the gates on sunday which created pressure on the toll lanes and resulted in temporary gridlock. 

FAAN remains deeply empathetic to the inconvenience experienced. 

To ease the situation the authority has deployed additional personnel to the access gates, increased registration points to fast-track first-time card issuance, and enhanced on-ground coordination to improve traffic flow.

 FAAN therefore appeals for patience, understanding, and cooperation of all motorists adding that they are working diligently to stabilise and streamline the process.

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According to the agency, emergency response teams have largely contained the blaze, with coordinated firefighting, rescue, and safety operations preventing further spread and ensuring the protection of lives and critical infrastructure.

A total of six (6) casualties — comprising three males and three females — were recorded, all of whom are in stable condition. One affected individual has been transferred to the FAAN Headquarters Hospital for further medical evaluation and remains stable.

As an additional safety precaution, the sixth floor of the affected facility has been completely evacuated to support ongoing emergency operations and risk mitigation.

Preliminary findings from the Fire Service indicate that the fire originated from the server room on the first floor of Terminal 1. The fire within the departure hall is now largely under control, while responders continue close monitoring to prevent any spread to adjoining sections of the terminal.

In line with established safety protocols, the airspace remains temporarily closed. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is actively working to establish a temporary Control Tower to enable the safe and timely restoration of airport operations as soon as practicable.

FAAN confirms that all emergency procedures were promptly activated and continues to collaborate with relevant emergency and support agencies to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and operational integrity.

Further verified updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.

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FAAN has also mobilized additional support from the Lagos State Government, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and other emergency response agencies to reinforce containment efforts.

Authorities have confirmed that no casualties have been recorded at this time. Passengers and members of the public are strongly advised to avoid the affected area until further notice.

FAAN assured that verified updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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In a statement issued in Lagos by its Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, FAAN said the move aligns with Federal Government directives mandating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue physical cash collections.

FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said the transition to a fully cashless system is aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, revenue assurance, and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s airports.

She clarified that payment gateway provider Paystack will only process transactions, while all funds will go directly into designated Federal Government accounts.

Kuku explained that the policy is in line with a Treasury Circular issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of broader public finance reforms. According to her, the initiative will reduce revenue leakages, improve transaction traceability, and enhance service delivery across airport facilities.

Aviation unions — NUATE, ATSSSAN and ANAP — had earlier sought clarification on the policy during a meeting with FAAN management. At the end of the engagement, union leaders expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided and pledged support for the seamless implementation of the cashless system nationwide.

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