Nigeria's level of implementation of ICAO safety standards 'among the highest in the world'

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has rated the level of implementation of aviation safety and security standards in Nigeria among the "highest in the world".

ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano revealed this during the recognition and award ceremony given to nine countries for their significant progress in improving safety and security oversight systems during of the 41st ICAO Assembly in Canada on Thursday.

In a statement posted on the agency's website, Mr. Sciacchitano recognized the Nigerian government for the exceptional level of effective implementation of ICAO safety and security standards.

“During the opening ceremony of the 41st ICAO Assembly this week, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano recognized the significant progress of nine States in improving oversight systems safety and security by awarding them Council President certificates," the statement read.

“The President of the Council also took the opportunity to recognize Nigeria’s exceptional level of effective implementation of ICAO safety and security standards, one of the highest in the world, reflecting the organization's "No Country Left Behind" initiative, with ICAO providing support to States for the implementation of ICAO's policies, global plans and SARPs."

ICAO's No Country Left Behind (NCLB) initiative highlights the agency's efforts to help countries implement ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

The main objective is to help ensure that the implementation of the SARPs is better harmonized globally so that all States have access to the significant socio-economic benefits of safe and reliable air transport . It was introduced by Nigerian Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu during his tenure as President of the ICAO Council.

ICAO said the certificates were awarded based on the results of ICAO's Universal Safety and Security Audit Programs, which relate to the effective implementation of standards and practices Recommendations (SARPs) of ICAO in these areas.

Founded in 1944, ICAO is a United Nations agency that helps 193 countries cooperate together and share their skies for mutual benefit.

At this year's ceremony, ICAO said it also presented Ethiopia, Fiji, Honduras, Slovenia and Ukraine with certificates for their safety progress , while Serbia and Tunisia were recognized for their aviation safety achievements.

"Côte d'Ivoire has received certificates for its progress in aviation safety and security," the statement said.

The organization explained that the effective implementation of ICAO's global Standards and Recommended Practices by States (countries) is key to optimizing and aligning the 193 regulatory frameworks that govern aviation international civil.

This, he said in turn, is essential for the safety and security of global aviation, which underpins its ability to act as a catalyst for sustainable development worldwide.< /p>

“While normally issued annually, the presentation of these certificates has been halted along with the rest of global aviation due to the pandemic. The 2022 ceremony therefore represented the reinstatement of this important global recognition program,” the statement added.

In a statement released by James Odaudu, Special Assistant (Public Affairs) to the Nigerian Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, who confirms the recognition, said the award follows other awards Nigeria has received of the organization since its inception. of the Buhari administration.

He said the President of ICAO noted that Nigeria remained the only country whose minister attended three consecutive meetings of the assembly as head of delegation with quality contributions to all sessions.

Mr. Sirika expressed his gratitude for the award, saying the recognition was not for him as an individual, but for Nigeria as a country, and in particular President Muhammadu Buhari, for his first-rate commitment and support. order for the aviation sector since assuming office.

The Minister reiterated Nigeria's commitment to the ideals of the organization and its willingness to continue to help less privileged countries develop their aviation industry in the spirit of "No Nation Left Behind".

“By demonstrating the close links between ICAO's Strategic Objectives and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ICAO has successfully advocated for aviation t...