Nigeria achieves 91.4% aviation safety score in latest ICAO audit
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Nigeria's aviation sector has achieved a 91.4% safety score in the latest audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization. This marks a significant improvement from the 70% score recorded in the previous audit in 2023, which was considered low. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the results during a meeting in Abuja, highlighting it as the highest score in Nigeria's history since 1960. Keyamo attributed this success to the deliberate policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support given to the aviation industry, as well as the initiatives implemented by the ministry and its agencies. A central committee, led by the Minister, was established to address the previous low scores. The improved rating is expected to positively impact the international standing of Nigerian airlines and reflects enhanced safety standards and oversight within the industry.
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Must ReadMrs. Olabisi Joseph, President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation NSSF, has been elected Continental President for Africa of the International School Sport Federation ISF. Her election took place during the 2026 ISF General Assembly in Belgrade, Serbia, where 79 votes were cast by 82 attending countries. This marks a historic moment as she is the first African woman and the first woman in ISF history to hold a continental leadership position. The NSSF, through its Secretary-General Ijeoma Olopade, congratulated Joseph and pledged full support for her tenure, emphasizing her role in advancing school sports for African children. Joseph previously made history in 2019 as the first female president of the NSSF, winning unopposed, and was re-elected for a second term in 2024.
Nigeria's U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, have arrived in Ivory Coast for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, where they will defend their title. The team landed in Abidjan on Monday and then traveled by road to Yamoussoukro, the host city, where they are currently camped at the Trio Corridor Hotel. Their campaign begins on Monday against Ghana鈥檚 Black Satellites at the Lyc茅e Scientifique. This match is a rematch of the 2024 final in Lom茅, which Nigeria won 2-1. Coached by Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles will also play against Togo鈥檚 Sparrow Hawks on Thursday and conclude their Group B fixtures on Sunday, August 2, against Burkina Faso鈥檚 Young Stallions. The team aims to successfully retain the WAFU B crown as part of their preparations for upcoming continental assignments.
Travel disruptions caused by a cancelled flight from the United States delayed the arrival of Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday at Nigeria's training camp in Casablanca. The Nigeria Football Federation had to purchase new tickets for the players after their initial flight was cancelled due to technical reasons. Despite this setback, the Super Falcons' camp grew to 23 players with the Tuesday afternoon arrival of forward Folashade Ijamilusi from China. Ijamilusi, who plays for Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, scored twice in the previous Women's Africa Cup of Nations, including Nigeria's equalizer in their 3-2 comeback victory against Morocco in the final. Abiodun and Gift Monday are expected to complete coach Justine Madugu's 25-player squad for the tournament. The 10-time African champions are preparing at the La Noria Club in Casablanca before moving to Rabat for their Group C matches against Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt. Nigeria, as defending champions, will begin their title defense against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, followed by matches against Zambia on Saturday, August 1, and Egypt four days later. This tournament also serves as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists automatically qualifying and one additional team securing a spot through intercontinental play-offs.