Significant Progress in ICAO Safety Standards
Nigeria has made remarkable progress in enhancing its aviation safety standards, achieving a commendable score of 70% in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Universal Safety Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA).
This achievement follows an extensive 12-day evaluation that concluded on Monday. The assessment’s primary focus was to determine Nigeria’s adherence to ICAO’s recommended safety standards and practices.
Steady Improvement Since 2016
This latest score represents a significant improvement since Nigeria’s last audit in 2016, where it achieved a score of 67.1%. The audit, conducted from August 30 to September 11, 2023, primarily assessed Nigeria’s capacity to oversee safety by effectively implementing critical elements (CEs) of a safety oversight system.
Central Role of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) played a pivotal role in representing Nigeria during this audit. ICAO’s audit serves a dual purpose: ensuring the enforcement of safety-related Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and providing ongoing oversight of a country’s safety compliance.
Key Audit Results
Breaking down the audit results, here are the scores achieved in critical areas:
- Legislation: 90% (a slight decrease from the previous 95%)
- Organisation: 83% (compared to the previous perfect score of 100%)
- Personnel Licencing: 84%
- Operations: 62% (an improvement from the previous 57%)
- Airworthiness: 94% (up from the previous 90%)
- Accident Investigation: 89% (a five-point increase from the previous 84%)
- Aerodrome and Ground Aids: 56%
- Air Navigation Services: 44%
The Final Audit Report and Future Steps
The final audit report, prepared by the Safety and Air Navigation Oversight Audit Section (OAS), includes Nigeria’s feedback on the draft report and awaits approval. Subsequently, it will be shared with Nigeria as agreed and published on the USOAP CMA Online Framework (OLF).
While Nigeria’s 70% score is a significant achievement, industry experts highlight opportunities for further improvement. ICAO has identified areas that require corrective action plans (CAPs). The State (NCAA) should prepare these CAPs upon receiving the draft report and upload them onto the OLF after receiving the final report.
Key considerations for CAPs include addressing all findings, identifying the Appropriate Action Office, and providing Realistic Estimated Dates of Implementation for all actions, whether short-term, medium-term, or long-term. This approach ensures that the NCAA has sufficient time to effectively close the identified gaps.
United Nigeria Airlines Gets Approval for International Flights, Expanding its Horizons
Nigeria’s government has granted United Nigeria Airlines approval to operate international flights, marking a significant milestone for the airline. United Nigeria Airlines can now offer flights to the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) Basis
This approval, dated September 8, 2023, stems from the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and these countries. The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace issued the approval letter, signed by Mr. H.T. Ejiburu, Director of Air Transport Management, and addressed to United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited.
Approved International Destinations
United Nigeria Airlines can now fly to the following international destinations:
- Netherlands (Amsterdam)
- Italy (Rome)
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Dubai)
- United Kingdom (London)
- United States of America (Houston)
- Ireland (Dublin)
Compliance and Documentation Requirements
To commence scheduled flights to these destinations, the airline must coordinate with the aviation authorities of the respective countries and complete the necessary documentation.
Additionally, ensuring compliance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs (2023) Part 18.5.1.1 A-C) and liaising with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for additional requirements is imperative.
Future Plans and Regional Expansion
United Nigeria Airlines, led by Chairman Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, began operations in 2021, offering scheduled flights to major Nigerian cities. The airline has already received approval for regional flights and plans to commence regional operations in a few weeks with the arrival of additional aircraft in mid-October.
Safety Remains Paramount
Meanwhile, following an incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, where a United Nigeria Airlines’ Embraer E145 aircraft skidded off the runway upon arrival from Owerri, it’s reassuring to note that all 47 passengers and 4 crew members onboard were unharmed and safely evacuated, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The aircraft has been relocated to the Nigeria Air Force maintenance facility at the Lagos airport for further inspection and maintenance.
