Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Grants Air Operator Certificate to Binani Air Global Services for Commencement of Scheduled Flight Operations

Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority) has issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Binani Air Global Services, clearing the airline to commence scheduled flight operations in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The certification was formally presented on March 18, 2026, at a ceremony in Abuja, where the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the development as a “historic milestone” and a significant breakthrough for the industry.

He commended the resilience and determination of the airline’s management throughout the rigorous certification process, noting that their persistence in meeting regulatory requirements was instrumental to achieving approval.

Capt. Najomo also highlighted the significance of a female-led airline entering scheduled operations in a sector traditionally dominated by men.

“The certification is a significant breakthrough with the emergence of a female-led airline in a sector long dominated by men,” he said, while urging the company to maintain strict compliance with safety and operational standards.

He cautioned that the issuance of the AOC represents only the beginning of a more demanding phase, stressing that there is “no room for shortcuts” in aviation operations.

In her remarks, Senator Aishatu Binani Dahiru expressed gratitude to the regulatory authorities for their guidance throughout the certification process, describing the journey as both challenging and rewarding.

She also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, crediting their commitment to creating an enabling environment that supported the airline’s successful certification.

Binani Air Global Services is owned by Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, popularly known as Aishatu Binani, a prominent Nigerian politician, entrepreneur, and former governorship candidate in Adamawa State. She is widely recognized as the first woman in Nigeria to establish her own airline, marking a notable milestone in the country’s aviation industry.