BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona Najomo, has announced plans to deepen Nigeria’s unmanned aviation ecosystem through a comprehensive national policy framework and the deployment of a digital drone registration platform aimed at strengthening oversight and safety regulation.
Najomo disclosed this on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the 6th International Drone Technology Conference and Expo held at the NIGAV Expo Centre in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Policy: National Plan for UAS,” the NCAA boss said Nigeria is moving from mere discussions on drone integration to concrete implementation, with regulatory structures and institutional frameworks already taking shape.
“I am honoured to join you once again and pleased to present the keynote address at the 6th Africa Leading International Drone Technology Conference and Expo.
“Though it will be short and precise, it will have an impactful message that will propel the next frontier of aviation development and direct the full energy of the unmanned aviation industry”, he said.
Najomo recalled that at DRONETECX 2025, he challenged stakeholders and the conference convener, Mr. Fortune Idu, to develop practical solutions that would position Nigeria as a leading player in the development and safe deployment of drone technologies.
According to him, the engagement resulted in a proposal for a policy framework designed to complement the NCAA’s existing drone regulations captured under Part 21.
“At the last DRONETECX 2025, I tasked the conference convener, Mr Fortune Idu, and stakeholders with proposing a solution that will enable Nigeria to take its rightful position in the development and safe utilisation of drone and automation technologies in aviation.
“The result was a solution to develop a policy framework that supports our already well-established regulations, Part 21”, he said.
He explained that the proposed framework would provide a comprehensive roadmap for the unmanned aircraft systems sector and define the responsibilities of regulators, operators and other industry players.
“The idea was to provide a comprehensive roadmap and direction for the industry and establish a clear role for all to play in making Nigeria a prime player in the sector,” Najomo added.
The NCAA DG further revealed that the initiative had already secured the backing of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, paving the way for the formal development of the national UAS policy framework.
“We graciously received the approval of the Minister of Aviation, our dear Barr. Festus Keyamo, to commence the process of developing the policy framework and roadmap, which has been referenced in the current ICAO Nigeria Civil Aviation Master Plan,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s pursuit of an integrated drone policy has now progressed beyond recommendations into active implementation.
“This means that Nigeria’s intention to have an integrated policy document concerning RPAS has gone beyond mere suggestion to an actionable proposal,” he said.
As part of efforts to tighten oversight within the rapidly expanding drone ecosystem, Najomo also unveiled a digital drone registration platform aimed at improving monitoring and regulatory compliance.
“We also set out to strengthen the monitoring and oversight industry by introducing a digital registration platform, which we will be unveiling today,” he announced.
He expressed concern over the growing proliferation of small recreational drones, particularly those weighing below 250 grams, noting that the NCAA was collaborating with DRONETECX to introduce a registration and certification process for low-category drone users.
“I have given my blessing for the collaboration between Dronetecx and the NCAA to develop a flyer registration and certification process that will allow the NCAA to issue a flyer ID to flyers in the lower open category,” Najomo stated.
He said the initiative was designed to create a safer and more organised environment for drone operations in Nigeria.
“All this is done to create a more conducive environment for advancing the sector seamlessly and enabling safe, secure practice,” he added.
Najomo commended DRONETECX and its convener, Mr. Fortune Idu, for sustaining advocacy and stakeholder engagement around drone technology development across Nigeria and Africa over the past five years.
“Over the past five years, DRONETECX, led by Mr Fortune Idu, has promoted drone technology in Nigeria and across Africa through subtle advocacy, stakeholder engagement, conferences, workshops, and training.
“And the NCAA is pleased to be a dependable partner in this development”, he said.
He urged stakeholders at the conference to use the platform to drive actionable outcomes capable of shaping Nigeria’s unmanned aviation future.
“Let us all use this platform, DRONTECX, as a reliable vessel for championing the sector’s advancement in Nigeria.
“Let us ensure that the deliberations at the 6th Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition yield results that support a national development plan and roadmap for UAS advancement in Nigeria,” he stated.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
