FAA’s aviation audit: Nigeria optimistic of retaining Category 1 status, says NCAA

Nigeria is set to retain its Category 1 status following the completion of an audit by the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said on Friday.

The Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, who made this known while briefing newsmen in Lagos, expressed optimism about positive developments from the five-day re-assessment of the nation’s aviation industry by the FAA.

Our correspondent reports that the audit was carried out to determine Nigeria’s level of compliance with international best practices in the aviation sector.

Nigeria attained the new Category 1 status in Aug. 2010 and also retained it in 2014 after a comprehensive audit of the industry.

The FAA four-man team which carried out the recent audit was led by Mr Louis Avrez, International Technical Support and Mr William Amoz, Aviation Safety Inspector.

Other members are Mr Benjamin Garrido, Frontline Manager, Airworthiness and Mr L.P. Vanstory Ill, International Affairs.

Usman said: “As with any audit exercise, you cannot expect 100 per cent. We expect that within the next 30 days, we will receive a written report from the FAA on their findings.

“As of now, Nigeria is still in Category 1 and so far so good, we are optimistic about our performance.

“All hands are on deck and I want to thank all our colleagues and the media for their support toward the success of the exercise.’’

Usman also disclosed that the certification of the Abuja and Lagos airports would soon be completed, noting that the required safety standards must, however, be met before they are certified.