… Abuja to follow soon
The much awaited certification of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as the certified aerodrome operator for the provision of required airport services, facilities, systems and equipment at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, in line with international standards and recommended practices has been achieved even as the same process for Abuja airport has reached its final stage.
Breaking the news of the feat, the first of its kind in the history of aviation industry in Nigeria, Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt Mukhtar Usman said, apart from the desire to meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, the certification was the realization of the target set by the Abuja Ministerial Declaration of July 2012 which mandated African countries to get their airport certified.
“The current drive towards the certification of Nigerian airports is very significant not only as a requirement by ICAO and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, but even more importantly as one of the critical safety targets set by the Abuja Ministerial Declaration of July 2012, that mandated all African states to certify their international airports. It is also interesting to note that certification is an enabler for the attainment of a regional hub which Nigeria desires for Lagos and Abuja,” he said.
Aerodrome Certification is a process by which a country, (ICAO member State) can demonstrate that airports in its territory meet regulatory safety requirements on a continuing 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.
According to Usman, “Aerodrome Certification is therefore an ICAO strategy for the standardization and harmonization of airport services, facilities and procedures, as well as ensuring uniformity in safety critical aerodrome elements irrespective of differences in ownership and management of such aerodromes.
It also assists States to effectively implement the critical elements of a safety oversight system in accordance with Annex 14 Vol. I, and other relevant ICAO specifications.
It also signifies to aircraft operators and other organizations operating at the aerodrome that, at the time of certification, the aerodrome meets the specifications regarding its facilities and operations, and that it has, according to the certifying authority, the capability to maintain these specifications for the period of validity of the certificate.
The certification process also establishes the baseline for continued monitoring of compliance with the specifications
The Director General however cautioned FAAN that while basking in the euphoria of the issuance of the first aerodrome certificate, the additional responsibilities that post certification bestows on the Regulatory Authority as well as the Certified Aerodrome Operator for sustenance of the certification achieved should not be forgotten..
He said NCAA is required to immediately commence the implementation of a post certification surveillance plan for the continuous monitoring of airport services, facilities, procedures and manpower levels to ensure that the Acceptable Level of Safety is not infringed on.
Adding that NCAA in her safety oversight responsibilities, would ensure compliance with ICAO and national regulations at all times, and where necessary, sanctions would be imposed or certificate suspended to enforce compliance with standards
Similarly, he added that FAAN has the utmost responsibility of operating the Murtala Muhammed Airport in accordance with ICAO standards and recommended practices, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, as well as any special conditions on which the certificate is issued.
He advised FAAN to promptly notify NCAA of any changes in aerodrome services, facilities, procedures or staffing levels that can affect the certification of the aerodrome.
In his remarks at the occasion, Director Aerodromes and Airspace Standards (DAAS), NCAA previous efforts made by NCAA and FAAN in 2008, to get the certification was not achieved because ICAO hadn’t developed the required guidance materials and expertise to guide states in the certification of aerodromes.
“However”, he said, “following strategic global, regional and national initiatives targeted at enhancing aerodrome certification, the certification of a few international aerodromes in some African states was accomplished in 2015/2016, as well as in Lagos, Nigeria, today.”
