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Nigeria has
officially received the exclusive United States of America Category 1
air safety rating which allows direct flight operations to the US.

Nigeria’s aviation
minister, Fidelia Njeze, received the certification from outgoing US
ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Sanders, yesterday at a brief ceremony in
Abuja, making Nigeria the sixth African nation after Cape Verde, Egypt,
Ethiopia, Morocco, and South Africa to receive the status.

The rating is
determined under the US Federal Aviation Administration’s assessment of
how countries meet the International Civil Aviation Organization safety
standards, and Nigeria’s certification is based on the results of July
2010 FAA review of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

The certification
means Nigeria has complied with the safety regulations set by the
international body, as assessed by the US aviation authorities, and
Nigerian-registered flights have direct permits to the US. Such flights
too would benefit from reduced premium charges and receive preference
for leasing.

Ms. Njeze said the
“covetous” status marks a “milestone” in the history of the nation’s
aviation. “By this certification, Nigeria has been put in the premier
league of aviation. We celebrate commitment today, we celebrate
dedication, and celebrate success,” she said.

Nigeria’s aviation
relations with the United States was seriously hurt after last
December’s failed terrorist attack on the US by a Nigerian, Umar
AbdulMutallab. In recent months, the NCAA director general, Harold
Demuren, has assured of efforts the agency has made to secure the
rating.

The US ambassador,
Ms. Sanders, said the recognition was “hard fought and well-deserved”
and praised Mr. Demuren, for the success.

“This achievement
is an important milestone for Nigeria and US bilateral relations. The
US Mission, NCAA, and FAA have worked together as a team in the true
spirit of bilateral partnership over the last two years to achieve this
goal,” she said.

The International
Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) carried out by the FAA, offers the
category 1 rating to countries with laws and regulations that can
oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards
for technical expertise, trained personnel, record keeping, and
inspection procedures.

Ms. Njeze, becoming
the first aviation minister to achieve this, said “it was a long
journey that had ended well.” However, she said “the journey has just
started.”

“I thank the
American government for the confidence in Nigeria and assure them that
we will maintain that.” She said the government will continue to
upgrade the airports, personnel, and safety standards.