Stories by Ime Akpan
Lagos
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has concluded its audit of Nigeria’s civil aviation with the team leader of the Auditors, Mr. Jean-Claude Waffo authenticating the country’s progress and development of aviation.
Waffo who spoke in Lagos during the presentation of preliminary audit result at the closing meeting of the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) articulated all their systemic findings in the course of the 11-day USOAP Audit conducted in the3 country.
While there were areas that were identified as open items that need to be closed, the team expressed satisfaction the level of improvement in the country’s aviation industry.
However, the team leader said 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.
“Draft results will be produced 90 days after today’s presentation. Thereafter, Nigeria is expected to produce a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) which will provide room for comments and observations within 45 days. The final report is only to be expected and produced after 30 days of receipt and acknowledgement of comments,” he said.
At the presentation, each member of the group gave individual assessment of all the delineated areas.
These are legislation, organisation, accident and incident investigation, air navigation services and aerodrome and ground aids.
Earlier in his remarks, the director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Muhtar Usman had expressed appreciation and acknowledged the dedication and high sense of responsibility with which the ICAO team conducted the audit.
He assured them that all the open items will be closed and the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) communicated to ICAO.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, the president of ICAO Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu who arrived in Nigeria shortly after the team’s departure is expected to hold a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari as well as stakeholders in the aviation industry.
Prior to his election on November 18, 2013, Aliu, who was the pioneer director of Air Transport Regulation (DATR) at NCAA from 2000 – 2004, served for eight years as the ICAO Council’s Nigerian Representative.
