The Federal Government confirmed on Monday that there is no ban on Nigerian airlines imposed by the US government.
Chris Najomo, acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), issued a statement clarifying the situation.
Najomo explained that while Nigeria was granted Category One status under the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program in 2010, it was re-evaluated and passed the US Federal Aviation Administration’s assessments in 2014 and 2017.
However, Nigeria was de-listed in 2022 due to failure to meet certain permit requirements.
He emphasized that this de-listing does not indicate any safety or security deficiencies within Nigeria’s oversight system, noting that comprehensive ICAO Safety and Security Audits have found no Significant Safety Concern (SSC) or Significant Security Concern (SSeC).
Najomo also pointed out that Nigerian operators can still access US markets through aircraft wet-leased from countries with current Category One status.
The statement clarified that the inability of Nigerian airlines to meet specific requirements for direct service to the US led to the de-listing, not issues related to safety or security.
It reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to adhering to international safety and security standards while respecting national sovereignty over airspace.