BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The fifth edition of the International Drone Technology Expo and Conference (Dronetecx 2025) officially took off on Tuesday, May 13, at the NIGAV Expo Centre, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, with a powerful call to harness drone technology for national development, youth empowerment and regulatory excellence.
Addressing dignitaries from across Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem and beyond, Mr. Fortune Idu, Managing Director of the Dronetecx platform, spotlighted the growing relevance of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), especially for non-aviation sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, security, and disaster management.
Idu said: “This fast-growing industry opens immense opportunities for African youth.
“Drones are not just flying gadgets; they are economic tools that are creating jobs, enhancing efficiency, and improving lives across key sectors.”
Since its inception in 2020, Dronetecx has provided a continental platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration on drone technology in Africa.
This year’s edition focuses on building awareness about safe and secure drone operations through a signature seminar series: “Drone 101: RPAS – What to Know.”
“Drone 101 is a public awareness initiative that equips SME operators and recreational users with essential safety knowledge,” Idu explained, adding; “It also aligns with the NCAA’s efforts to document, regulate, and standardise drone activity nationwide.”
The three-day event features presentations by top officials from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), including Capt. Wilson Maikano Tijo, Capt. Olusina Akinsete, Amin Bakam, and Collette Onyeulo, covering topics such as drone regulations, operational safety, and pilot licensing.
Also included in the programme is a forward-looking session led by Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, Registrar of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), highlighting the role of STEM education in advancing drone careers and innovation.
“For Nigeria and Africa to lead in drone innovation, we must also focus on local development and manufacturing,” Idu urged. “It’s not enough to fly drones; we must also build them.”
Attendees will witness live demonstrations of precision drone control and landing tests, designed to support efforts by the Civil Aviation Authority to begin issuing test-to-permit certifications to amateur operators.
Idu extended appreciation to industry stakeholders and partners who have supported the event’s growth, including the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Yangda China, Aeril Robotix, and the African Aerospace University.
“We are proud to welcome new members into the Dronetecx family, including our friends from Ghana’s Drone Hub,” he announced. “This is a pan-African movement.”
Special thanks were also extended to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, for their continuous support.
The Dronetecx 2025 event is being live-streamed on YouTube to accommodate broader participation and ensure that knowledge shared reaches beyond the physical walls of the venue.
“This is more than a conference; it’s a revolution,” concluded Idu. “We’re shaping the future of drone technology in Africa, one flight at a time”, Idu added.
