Yemisi Izuora
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit team has expressed satisfaction with the progress and development of aviation in Nigeria.
The team made the commendation during the presentation of preliminary audit result at the closing meeting of the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).
The presentation was presided over by the Team leader of the Auditors; MrJean-Claude Waffo.
Each member gave an individual assessment of all the delineated areas. These are: – Legislation (LEG), Organisation (ORG), Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG), Air Navigational Services (ANS) and Aerodrome andGround Aids (AGA).
The Team leader and the members articulated all their systemic findings in the course of the 11-day USOAP Audit conducted on Nigeria.
While there were areas that were identified as open items that need to be closed, the Auditors were unanimously very satisfied with the level of improvement in the aviation industry in Nigeria.
The Auditors were highly impressed with the stellar preparation for the audit by all concerned and claimed that this made the exercise a huge success.
However, the final report will be produced and sent to Canada for review and final assent. This will be done only when comments on the draft report have been received from Nigeria.
According to the Mr. Waffo, Draft results will be produced 90 days after the presentation.
Therafter, Nigeria is expected to produce a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) which will provide room for comments and observations within 45 days.
He said the final report is only to be expected and produced after 30 days of receipt and acknowledgement of comments.
Earlier, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt.Muhtar Usman in his opening remarks expressed his appreciation and acknowledged the demonstration of unparalleled dedication and the high sense of responsibility with which the auditors acquitted themselves during the audit.
He assured the auditors that all the open items will be closed forthwith. Thiswill be adequately communicated in the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to be forwarded by the Authority as required.
“All the lessons learnt from this exercise will be used to enhance the development, safety and security of aviation not only in Nigeria but the whole of Africa.”
The Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr.Saleh Dunoma in his vote of thanks reiterated that all areas that require improvement will be expedited and adequately carried out.