By BONIFACE AKARAH

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), describing it as a major milestone that strengthens the country’s global aviation standing.

The President, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the rating affirms Nigeria’s commitment to international safety standards and boosts investor confidence in the aviation sector.

The ICAO rating, derived from its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), measures countries’ ability to effectively implement safety oversight systems. Nigeria’s 91.45 per cent Effective Implementation (EI) score marks its highest performance since the audit programme began in 1999.

According to the statement, 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.

“The rating affirms the nation’s aviation safety standards and makes it a more attractive destination for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations,” Tinubu said.

Highlighting the broader implications, the President added, “This achievement is a clear indication that our reforms in the aviation sector are yielding results and positioning Nigeria as a competitive and credible hub for global air transport.”

Tinubu noted that aviation safety remains central to his administration’s agenda of strengthening infrastructure and positioning the sector as a key driver of economic growth.

He also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for advancing reforms in the sector, particularly efforts aimed at improving compliance with international safety regulations.

“Your commitment to strict safety compliance and continuous improvement has played a critical role in achieving this global recognition,” the President said in commendation of the ministry.

Tinubu urged the ministry to sustain the momentum by implementing all recommendations made by ICAO auditors.

“He urged the Ministry not to relent but to review and implement every recommendation… to ensure that Nigeria not only maintains, but goes even further on the rating,” the statement added.

Nigeria, as a member state of ICAO, is required to align its aviation systems with global standards to ensure safe and efficient air transport operations.