By Mike Cerutti
Nigeria has declared itself fully prepared to reclaim its coveted Federal Aviation Administration Category 1 status, as the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, JP, assured global partners during high-level talks at the ICAO AFI Aviation Week in Cairo, Egypt.
The assurance was given on Tuesday, 29th July, 2026, during a strategic meeting between the NCAA and officials of the United States Federal Aviation Administration held on the sidelines of the event.
Capt. Najomo stated that Nigeria has recorded significant progress in strengthening its aviation safety oversight system, regulatory framework, and compliance mechanisms. He noted that the country is now fully ready for the FAA Category 1 reassessment, which is critical to expanding Nigeria’s bilateral air service relations with the United States.
A major focus of the meeting was the proposed direct operations between Nigeria and New York by Air Peace Limited. The DGCA confirmed that the airline is fully prepared for the required audit and has put in place all necessary operational and safety measures to support the commencement of direct flights.
He described the meeting as a follow-up to earlier engagements aimed at deepening cooperation between the NCAA and the FAA. According to him, the restoration of Category 1 status will further boost trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United States.
Capt. Najomo also requested technical assistance and capacity-building support from the FAA, particularly in specialized technical areas. He emphasized that such support will further strengthen the NCAA’s oversight capabilities and ensure Nigeria not only passes the reassessment but sustains the Category 1 status.
In response, the FAA representative commended Nigeria for the progress made so far and urged the Authority to identify specific areas where assistance is required. The FAA assured the NCAA of its commitment to providing the necessary technical support towards a successful reassessment and the eventual commencement of Air Peace’s direct operations to New York.
The DGCA expressed appreciation to the FAA team for their continued partnership and to ICAO for providing the AFI Aviation Week platform. He noted that the forum has enabled African states and global aviation partners to deliberate on safety, security, sustainability, and development issues affecting the continent.
Capt. Najomo reiterated that under the present administration, safety remains the top priority of Nigerian aviation. He assured airlines, aviation stakeholders, and the traveling public that the NCAA will continue to implement policies that align fully with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
He concluded by stating that Nigeria is poised to reclaim its FAA Category 1 status. The commencement of direct flights by Air Peace to New York, he said, will mark a new chapter for Nigeria-US air relations, drive economic growth, and further project Nigeria’s aviation brand on the global stage.
