Nigeria Excels As ICAO Audit Ends

Capt. Muhtar Usman, DG, NCAA

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has once again authenticated the progress and development of aviation in Nigeria. This was made manifest during the presentation of preliminary audit result at the closing meeting of the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). These result clearly indicated that Nigeria has done excellently well according to the auditors.

The presentation was presided over by the Team leader of the Auditors; Mr Jean-Claude Waffo. He was joined by three team members to present their assessment of the aviation industry in Nigeria. Each member gave an individual assessment of all the delineated areas. These are: - Legislation (LEG), Organisation (ORG), Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG), Air Navigational Services (ANS) and Aerodrome and Ground Aids (AGA).

During the presentation, the Team leader and the members articulated all their systemic findings in the course of the 11-day USOAP Audit conducted on Nigeria. While there were areas that were identified as open items that need to be closed, the Auditors were unanimously very satisfied with the level of improvement in the aviation industry in Nigeria. The Auditors were highly impressed with the concerted effort and preparation for the audit by all concerned and noted that this made the exercise a huge success.

Mr. Waffo however informed that the final report will be produced and sent to Canada for review and final assent. This will be done only when comments on the draft report have been received from Nigeria. “Draft results will be produced 90 days after today’s presentation. Thereafter, Nigeria is expected to produce a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) which will provide room for comments and observations within 45 days,” he said.” He added that the final report is only to be expected and produced after 30 days of receipt and acknowledgement of comments.

At the end of the presentation the auditors thanked the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman and all the Chief Executives of the aviation parastatals. Commendations were also extended to the Nigerian team that worked with the auditors during the audit.

Capt. Usman expressed his appreciation and acknowledged the demonstration of unparalleled dedication and the high sense of responsibility with which the auditors acquitted themselves during the audit. He assured them that all the open items will be closed forthwith. “This will be adequately communicated in the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to be forwarded by the Authority as required. All the lessons learnt from this exercise will be used to enhance the development, safety and security of aviation not only in Nigeria but the whole of Africa,” the DG said.

The Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma in his vote of thanks reiterated that all areas that require improvement will be expedited and adequately carried out. Other Chief Executives present at the meeting were Dr. Felix Abali, Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Engr. Emmanuel Anasi, Ag. Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Directors from all the parastatals.