President Bola Tinubu has commended Nigeria’s aviation sector for achieving a record 91.45 per cent safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), describing it as a major milestone for the country’s global standing.

The rating, derived from ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), measures how effectively countries implement critical safety standards in civil aviation. The latest score represents Nigeria’s highest ever performance since the audit programme began in 1999.

According to the ICAO audit team, which presented its findings at the headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja, Nigeria’s score significantly surpasses both the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent.

President Tinubu said the achievement underscores the country’s commitment to aviation safety and enhances its attractiveness to investors in areas such as airline operations, maintenance services and aviation infrastructure.

He noted that his administration has prioritised the development of infrastructure and transportation, with a strong focus on positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub that meets international standards.

The President also acknowledged the role of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development under the leadership of Festus Keyamo, whose five-point agenda places safety compliance at the forefront of sectoral reforms.

While praising the milestone, Tinubu urged the ministry and relevant agencies to sustain the momentum by implementing all recommendations made by ICAO auditors, stressing the need to not only maintain but improve on the current rating.

He added that continued adherence to global best practices would further strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s airspace and support long-term economic growth.