The Federal Government has enacted the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice, a move designed to lower operational costs for airlines in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The CTC Practice Direction was signed on Thursday by Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, during a meeting of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

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This signing activates the full implementation of the Cape Town Convention in Nigeria, which is expected to reduce insurance premiums for airlines, improve investor confidence, and facilitate easier leasing of aircraft by domestic airlines.

This measure comes as the government reiterated that no Nigerian airline has been banned by the United States. Chris Najomo, acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), noted that Nigeria attained category one status in the U.S. International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) programme in 2010 and passed re-evaluations in 2014 and 2017.

However, the country was removed from the list in 2022 for failing to meet updated requirements.

The implementation of the Cape Town Convention marks a major step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s aviation industry and making it more competitive globally.

He said, “It is important to clarify here that the de-listing of Nigeria has absolutely nothing to do with any safety or security deficiency in our oversight system. Nigeria has undergone comprehensive ICAO Safety and Security Audits and recorded no Significant Safety Concern (SSC) or Significant Security Concern (SSeC) respectively.

“It is furthermore necessary to add that a Nigerian operator can still operate into the U.S. using an aircraft wet-leased from a country who has a current Category One status.

“The NCAA continues to adhere strictly to international safety and security standards and respects the sovereignty of States, including the United States of America, as enshrined in Article One of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. This provision gives States complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territories.”

Akwa Ibom State’s commercial airline  Ibom Air, has welcomed a new A220-300 series aircraft to its fleet.

At a ceremony to receive it at the Victor Attah International Airport on Tuesday, Governor Umo Eno declared that “every Akwa Ibomite should celebrate with pride”.

The governor who made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging, site, X, on Tuesday revealed the state’s plans for the Aviation sector.

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According to Gov Eno, “This project is just one of the many ways we are working to position Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for both tourism and investment.”

He wrote, “Earlier today, we welcomed a new A220-300 series aircraft to the Ibom Air fleet during a ceremony at Victor Attah International Airport.

“This moment marks another significant milestone in the growth and expansion of Ibom Air, an achievement that every Akwa Ibomite should celebrate with pride. The addition of this aircraft not only enhances the efficiency of our airline’s operations but also underscores our commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation sector.

“As part of our broader vision for Akwa Ibom’s aviation ecosystem, I also announced the upcoming construction of an Aviation Village near the airport. This development will provide essential amenities such as housing, schools, and hospitals for aviation workers, ensuring they are well-supported as we move towards 24-hour airport operations.

“This project is just one of the many ways we are working to position Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for both tourism and investment.”

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has raised alarm over the use of private aircraft in Nigeria for money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities.

Keyamo made the revelation at the Ministry of Aviation in Abuja on Thursday while inaugurating a Ministerial Taskforce Committee aimed at combating illegal chartered operations in the country.

Although he did not name specific airlines, Keyamo emphasized that these activities have cost the sector billions of dollars and posed serious security risks.

He further pointed out that some individuals who obtained licenses for non-commercial flights have breached the terms by engaging in unauthorized activities.

Addressing the committee members, Keyamo mandated them to conduct a comprehensive inventory of all non-commercial flight operators, scrutinize professional licenses for authenticity, and recommend disciplinary actions against airlines involved in illicit activities.

The eight-member committee, chaired by Aero Contractors’ Chief Executive Officer Ado Sanusi, is tasked with submitting their findings to the minister within the next three months.