By Louis Ibah
After nearly two decades of futile efforts, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) has finally been certified in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and best practices.
In the last 12 months, the Federal Government, desirous of getting the Lagos international airport to operate under an ICAO certification, had taken various measures to prepare it to scale the rigorous ICAO audit, some of which included investment in the upgrade of infrastructure, elimination of touting, ensuring stable power supply and cooling systems, clean toilets and other allied conveniences, and the dismantling of multiple checkpoints for passengers and baggage by Customs, Quarantine, NDLEA and FAAN airport security officials.
ICAO had earlier in the year sent a team of auditors to visit the country, go round the airport prior to granting the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) the nod to audit the Lagos airport in line with its standards as well as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs).
Director General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, who presented the audit certificate with number NCAA/ARD/AC/001 to the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Saleh Dunoma, in Lagos yesterday, said the certificate is valid for three years unless cancelled, suspended or revoked.
“With the certification, FAAN is the certified Aerodrome operator for the provision of required airport services, facilities, systems and equipment at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, in line with International Standards And Recommended Practices,” said Usman.
“The certification is a clear indication that the Lagos airport has met regulatory safety requirements on a continuous basis and that it is providing uniform conditions for safe and efficient operation of aircraft from all other states, as required by Article 15 of the Chicago Convention and the certification is an enabler for the attainment of a regional hub for Lagos and one of the critical safety targets of NCAA,” Usman added.
He explained that the certificate entitles the holder (FAAN) to operate the Lagos airport for the purpose of take-off and landing of aircraft engaged in flight for scheduled and non-scheduled commercial operations.
He, however, pointed out that the certificate has the following limitations – ARFFS: CAT 9, Day/Night Operations. IFR CAT of Operations: CAT 11.
The NCAA boss advised the FAAN management to see the certification as a fresh challenge with which comes the capacity and striving to ensure sustenance of the certificate.
The NCAA boss concluded by revealing that the certification of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is in its final stage. The Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and Kaduna International Airport, Kaduna, will be certified by July 2018.
The Managing Director of FAAN, after collecting the certificate, assured the NCAA DG that FAAN will sustain and improve on the present status.