BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Amidst swirling rumours of a United States ban on Nigerian airlines, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Monday, released a statement to set the record straight.
The authority clarified that there has been no such ban, addressing the public’s concerns and providing essential context to dispel any confusion.
Acting Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, emphasised the importance of accurate reporting, especially in matters that could trigger unnecessary alarm.
He explained that Nigerian airlines’ ability to operate flights into the United States is contingent upon the country’s compliance with the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Programme, which is administered by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Achieving Category One status under this programme is essential for any nation seeking to operate flights into the U.S.
“Nigeria first attained Category One status in August 2010 after undergoing a rigorous safety assessment by the FAA.
“Subsequent evaluations in 2014 and 2017 reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international aviation safety standards, allowing the country to maintain this coveted status,” Najomo highlighted.
However, Najomo went on to explain that in September 2022, the FAA introduced a policy revision that impacted countries holding Category One status.
Under this new policy, nations that had not operated indigenous airline services to the U.S. or lacked a U.S. operator’s airline code within a two-year period were removed from the Category One list.
Additionally, countries that were not receiving FAA technical assistance due to non-compliance with international safety standards were also delisted.
“Regrettably, Nigeria, having not operated any indigenous services to the U.S. during the specified timeframe, was among the countries affected by this policy shift. This delisting, however, is not a reflection of any deficiencies in Nigeria’s aviation safety or security oversight,” Najomo clarified.
Najomo assured the public that Nigeria’s removal from the Category One list was purely procedural and had nothing to do with any lapses in safety standards.
He pointed out that Nigeria has successfully undergone rigorous safety and security audits by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) without any Significant Safety Concerns (SSC) or Significant Security Concerns (SSeC).
He also noted that despite the delisting, Nigerian airlines can continue to operate flights to the U.S. using aircraft that are wet-leased from countries that maintain their Category One status.
The NCAA reiterated its unwavering commitment to upholding international safety and security standards while respecting the sovereignty of other nations, as outlined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
In response to the FAA’s policy changes, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has taken proactive steps to enhance the capabilities of Nigerian airlines.
This includes a recent visit to Airbus in France and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Boeing in Seattle, Washington.
The Minister is also prioritizing Nigeria’s full compliance with the Cape Town Convention, a crucial move to restore international aircraft lessors’ confidence in the Nigerian aviation sector.
With these strategic initiatives, Najomo expressed optimism that Nigeria will not only reclaim its Category One status in the near future but also ensure its long-term retention, fostering continued growth and safety in the nation’s aviation industry.
