NCAA Grants Aerodrome Certification to Kano, Port Harcourt Airports*

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially issued aerodrome certificates to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano and Obafemi Awolowo International Airport (JOAIA) in Port Harcourt, confirming that both facilities meet national regulatory and international safety standards.

The certification ceremony took place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the NCAA corporate headquarters in Abuja, where Director-General Captain Chris Najomo presented the certificates to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), represented by Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.

Najomo described the achievement as a historic milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that the airports were assessed and found compliant under Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 Part 12, which adopts the safety principles of ICAO Annex 14. Aerodrome certification, he said, is not merely procedural but a globally recognised attestation that airport infrastructure, operational procedures and safety management systems meet stringent international benchmarks.

He added that the certification enhances the risk profile of the airports, potentially leading to more favourable insurance premiums for the aerodromes, airlines and service providers, and serves as a “seal of confidence” for passengers and investors.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola