The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to integrate anti-drone system for threat detection and neutralisation.
The Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, made this known in a keynote address at the Fifth Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday in Lagos.
Najomo said that NCAA was committed to developing a risk-regulatory framework which would involve publishing interim guidelines for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations.
According the him, there is need to align with global standards, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation model UAS Regulations and Specific Operations Risk Assessment.
He said that while adopting global standards, Nigeria’s unique socio-economic contexts would be taken note of.
“Our commitment does not stop at these. NCAA’s robust drive includes standardisation and certification protocols by establishing ‘mandatory type certification’ for UAS designs while ensuring airworthiness and cybersecurity resilience,” he said
Najomo said that NCAA would implement a national UAS registry linked to real-time tracking systems to enhance accountability.
“On safety and security infrastructure, we will deploy geo-fencing technologies to restrict UAS access to sensitive zones (airports, government installations),” he said.
On capacity building and stakeholder synergy, he said that the authority would launch a National UAS Academy in partnership with universities and aviation industry leaders to cultivate technical expertise.
Najomo added that public awareness campaigns to educate communities on UAS benefits and regulatory obligations would be initiated soon.
“While Nigeria’s UAS potential is undeniable, we must confront systemic barriers such as regulatory fragmentation, technological gaps and public skepticism.
“The NCAA cannot achieve this vision alone. We urge industry leaders to adopt ethical self-regulation,” he said.
Najomo called on the academia to prioritise UAS research, adding that legislators should champion forward-thinking policies.
“Together, we can move Nigeria from being a consumer of UAS technology to a regional hub for innovation, manufacturing and
talent development,” he said.
Najomo urged players in the UAS ecosystem to register with the authority, saying that NCAA had got clearance from the National Security Adviser.
“We have got clearance from NSA. Register with us, go back to NSA for clearance and come back to NCAA to finalise the registration.”
He added that UAS had emerged as a cornerstone of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, redefining industries through advancements in automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics.
He identified three pillars of UAS as safety assurance, security safeguards, and innovation facilitation.
In a paper entitled: ”Preparing for Vertiport”, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said that FAAN was doing much to ensure Nigeria would not be left behind in the rapidly-evolving era of Advanced Air Mobility.
She was represented by the Director of Special Duties at FAAN, Mr Henry Agbebire.
“The future is no longer distant.
“We are standing at the threshold of a new aviation age – one where aircraft as taxis, powered by electric propulsion and guided by artificial intelligence, will transform how Nigerians move, live and connect,” she said.
Manufacturers, operators and service providers of drones were present at the exhibition.
