Aviation
Enugu Air Secures Historic Nigerian Aviation Certification
Enugu Air receives aviation certification from NCAA, fast-tracking Governor Mbah’s vision to make Enugu a regional hub for commerce and air travel
Enugu Air has been officially granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), marking a significant milestone in Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to establish Enugu as a leading aviation and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
Also read: Enugu Air Welcomes New Embraer 195 Aircraft, Expands Services
The certificate was presented to Enugu Air’s Accountable Manager and CEO, Captain Tolu Ita, by NCAA Director General Captain Chris Njomo at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Captain Njomo described the achievement as historic for Nigeria’s aviation industry, noting that Enugu Air completed the rigorous certification process in just five months and three weeks a fraction of the typical 15- to 24-month timeline.
“Enugu Air distinguished itself by commencing operations with a complete fleet of six aircraft, a rare feat for a newly certified airline in the country,” Captain Njomo said.
He praised Governor Mbah’s leadership and the state team for executing the project with speed, discipline, and purpose.
Captain Tolu Ita commended Governor Mbah for providing the vision and enabling environment that facilitated the record-breaking certification.
She also expressed gratitude to NCAA for their professionalism and pledged that Enugu Air would uphold the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and service.
Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, emphasised that Enugu Air forms a key part of the state’s transport and logistics transformation agenda.
He revealed plans to expand the airline’s fleet to 20 aircraft and commence regional operations before the end of 2026, connecting Enugu to key domestic and international markets.
The airline’s operating partner, XEJet Limited, played a central role in guiding Enugu Air through the regulatory process.
XEJet CEO Emmanuel Iza highlighted the achievement as a demonstration of the value of strong partnerships between government and the commercial aviation sector.
Barrister Ricky Agu, Board Chairman of Enugu Air, assured regulators that the state government would continue to provide support to ensure world-class operations.
The AOC presentation was witnessed by senior aviation officials and members of the Enugu State delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo.
Also read: Enugu Air Inauguration: Keyamo Hails Mbah’s Vision
The certification positions Enugu Air as a strategic player in Nigeria’s aviation industry, advancing the state’s ambition to become a regional hub for commerce, transport, and investment.
The Gusau International Airport (GIA) in Zamfara state has passed the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) quality assurance tests and inspections ahead of the commencement of commercial operations next month.
The development comes as the airport prepares to begin scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to a statement by the state government on Tuesday, XEJet Limited is expected to operate bi-weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays from the first week of October.
An official of a leading Nigerian aviation agency said the airport’s instrument flight procedures had undergone ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process, with GIA completing and passing all the stages.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said the process was part of Nigeria’s efforts to implement corrective measures recommended by ICAO.
ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating international air navigation standards and promoting the safe and orderly development of international air transport.
Nigeria’s civil aviation system recorded an effective implementation (EI) score of 75 percent after an ICAO audit in 2023.
The official said ICAO conducted a follow-up inspection, known as the ICAO coordinated validation mission (ICVM), in April 2026, during which Nigeria had a significant safety concern (SSC).
He said the concern was resolved within the prescribed 40-day period, although Nigeria was required to implement associated medium-term corrective action plans.
As part of the corrective measures, the instrument flight procedures at several Nigerian airports were subjected to ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process.
“Of all the airports assessed, only Gusau International Airport (GIA) completed and passed all the 17 steps,” the senior aviation official said.
“The evidence of GIA’s successful completion of this demanding process formed part of the documentation submitted to ICAO.
“Following the ICVM, Nigeria achieved an impressive EI score of 95.1%.”
On September 21, the Zamfara government signed an air route development partnership agreement with XEJet for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and Abuja.
The agreement is expected to enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.
Gusau International Airport internet deployment begins ahead of October 1 commercial operations, with free connectivity planned for passengers and staff
The Zamfara State Government has signed an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday marked an important step towards improving connectivity and facilitating business, investment, tourism and economic growth in Zamfara State.
A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, chaired the signing ceremony.
The statement added that the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, signed on behalf of the State Government.
The statement read in parts: “Zamfara State government has signed an Air Route Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights connecting Abuja and Gusau.
“Under the agreement, XEJet will operate bi-weekly flights beginning next month.
“The new air route will enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor emphasised that the partnership aligns with the state government’s strategic goal of enhancing transportation infrastructure.
He said, “The Gusau International Airport was built entirely from scratch and completed within two years.”
“The main goal of constructing the airport is to make it easier and more efficient for people and goods to move, which should help boost the economy.”
“Governor Lawal has been actively seeking international investors and donor agencies, all of whom are willing to invest in Zamfara.”
“This milestone of initiating a commercial flight will draw potential investors. Improving the state’s accessibility is our top priority, as it will create a more welcoming environment for business growth and investment.”
-
Politics3 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics3 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News5 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business2 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)