The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has set a December 2025 deadline to achieve full International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification across Nigerian airports, marking a major step in its effort to modernise operations and align with global aviation standards.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, who revealed that the agency has already completed about 70 per cent of the certification process.
Agbebire explained that the new ISO policy introduces an integrated management framework that merges two key international standards — the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) and the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS). The combination, he said, is designed to promote efficiency, consistency, and environmental responsibility across all airport operations in the country.
“We are targeting full ISO certification by December 2025,” Agbebire stated. “The ISO policy reinforces our operational principle that if it is not documented, it is considered not done.”
He added that external auditors are expected to arrive in November to carry out the final compliance assessment, close existing gaps, and prepare the authority for final certification.
According to FAAN, the certification initiative is part of a wider reform agenda aimed at improving passenger experience, boosting operational safety, and ensuring Nigeria’s airports meet the expectations of international aviation regulators and partners.
The ISO certification process, which covers both quality management and environmental sustainability, seeks to ensure that airport operations — from passenger handling to airfield maintenance — are executed in a structured, measurable, and eco-friendly manner.
Aviation analysts say the move could position Nigeria among Africa’s leading air transport hubs, enhancing investor confidence and strengthening the country’s reputation in global aviation. The certification is also expected to promote efficiency, transparency, and a culture of continuous improvement within the authority.
FAAN has in recent years intensified efforts to upgrade infrastructure and align operational standards with global benchmarks, following recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other global bodies.
When completed, the ISO certification will not only affirm FAAN’s adherence to international best practices but also underscore Nigeria’s growing commitment to sustainable and customer-focused airport management.
