Three Nigerian airlines have successfully obtained International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit Certification, known as IOSA.

They are Arik Air, Aero Contractors and FirstNation Airways.

IOSA is international safety standard which is given to an airline by IATA after it has been audited and met the recommended safety standard of the world aviation body.

In 2012, ministers from African countires agreed that all airlines operating in Africa must obtain IOSA as a prerequisite to operate in the continent and deadline was given as end of 2015.

Other Nigerian airlines at the verge of attaining IOSA certification include Allied Air and Cargo services, Overland Airways and Dana Air, while Air Peace is about to be audited.