In a dual milestone that dramatically repositions Nigeria’s aviation sector, President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping 30 per cent debt relief on outstanding statutory fees for domestic airlines, just as the nation achieves a record-shattering 91.45 per cent safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

These transformative directives, announced on Friday in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, form a comprehensive strategy to both immediately alleviate operational distress and secure long-term global confidence in Nigerian aviation.

Immediate Relief: Airlines Get 30% Rebate on Debts
To directly address the “severe operational pressures strangling Nigeria’s domestic carriers,” President Tinubu approved a major 30 per cent discount on outstanding statutory fees owed by domestic airlines.

The directive, officially conveyed via Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, is designed for immediate impact. The 30 per cent covers a broad spectrum of accumulated debts:

• Parking charges owed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
• Navigational charges due to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
• Various other essential regulatory obligations.

Minister Keyamo emphasised this intervention as a critical cushion against the “crippling impact of the ongoing Jet A1 fuel crisis,” which has astronomically inflated operating costs.

“This initiative underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to stabilising the aviation industry, safeguarding airline operations, and ensuring the continued viability of essential domestic air transport services across the country,” Keyamo stated in a release signed by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications.

A Global Milestone: Nigeria Soars with Historic ICAO Safety Rating
In a separate, landmark achievement for the nation, Minister Keyamo revealed that Nigeria’s aviation sector has achieved a spectacular 91.45 per cent safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

This record-breaking score, the highest ever attained by Nigeria, follows a comprehensive audit recently conducted by ICAO at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) headquarters in Abuja. Announcing the landmark results, Keyamo declared, “This improved rating is a game-changer.”

The 91.45 per cent score firmly establishes Nigeria as a global leader in aviation safety, placing the country far above:

The West African regional average of 61.1 per cent.

The global average of 70.4 per cent.

“It will significantly enhance investor confidence, solidify Nigeria’s international aviation credibility, and position our nation as a premier destination for global aviation partnerships and investments,” Keyamo affirmed.

ICAO, a specialized United Nations agency, meticulously evaluates member states’ safety oversight through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). This score is the culmination of years of dedicated effort to align with international standards, reflecting the now-robust nature of Nigeria’s aviation safety framework.