Observers Times

Tag: NCAA

  • NCAA Launches Digital Drone Registration Platform

    NCAA Launches Digital Drone Registration Platform

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a digital registration platform for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, strengthening oversight of Nigeria’s expanding drone airspace.

    The NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, unveiled the portal on Wednesday at the sixth Africa International Drone Technology Conference in Lagos.

    Mr Najomo said his challenge to stakeholders in 2025 inspired a comprehensive framework supporting existing Part 21 regulations.

    He stated that the framework had been incorporated into Nigeria’s International Civil Aviation Organisation master plan.

    He said, “Nigeria’s integrated RPAS policy has moved beyond suggestion to a practical national proposal. We are strengthening oversight through this digital registration platform, unveiled today for industry stakeholders.

    “DroneTecX has supported NCAA efforts to curb drone proliferation and manage lighter recreational categories. I approved collaboration with DroneTecX to develop flyer registration and certification processes. This will enable NCAA to issue Flyer Identification for lower-category operators.”

    Mr Najomo said drones under 250 grammes remain a major focus within the recreational open category.

    He noted that the initiative would ensure hobbyists operate within a safe, secure aviation ecosystem.

    Mr Najomo praised the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, for elevating the roadmap into a national priority.

    He also commended conference convener, Fortune Idu, for advancing drone advocacy and training across Africa.

    “Ensure your deliberations support the ongoing 10-year UAS development plan,” Mr Najomo urged the participants.

    The platform marks a major step towards automated oversight within the Nigerian drone industry.

    (NAN)

  • NCAA Clears Ibadan Airport for Commercial Flight Resumption

    NCAA Clears Ibadan Airport for Commercial Flight Resumption

     

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has approved the commencement of scheduled flight operations at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.

    This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by Suleimon Olanrewaju, the special adviser on media to Governor Seyi Makinde.

    “The NCAA approved the issuance of a provisional interim operational permit for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at the airport.

    “The NCAA said it approved after reviewing the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements and mitigation measures, which followed recent developments at the aerodrome and the additional information provided by FAAN.

    “The approval followed efforts by the Oyo state government to upgrade the airport to an international standard, with the state government having undertaken several projects, including the extension and widening of the runway and improvement of airfield lighting,” said the statement.

    Other projects carried out at the airport include the construction of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage facility and a new Protocol Lounge, it added.

    (NAN)