BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria is stepping up efforts to safely integrate drones into its increasingly busy skies, with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) leading the push for a modern Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system.
Speaking at the Nigeria Drone Tech Expo 2026, NAMA’s Director of Air Traffic Services, Engineer Tayo John, said the rapid rise in drone usage across sectors, from oil and gas to agriculture, logistics and security, has made a structured traffic system for unmanned aircraft not just necessary, but urgent.
He explained that while traditional air traffic control ensures the safe separation of manned aircraft, the explosion of low-altitude drone operations requires a new, digital-first approach.
UTM, he noted, is designed to manage high volumes of drone traffic through automation, real-time data exchange and coordination among regulators, operators and service providers.
“Drone operations are transforming aviation globally, and Nigeria must build a system that ensures safety while unlocking economic potential,” John said.
Under the proposed framework, every drone will be registered and digitally identifiable, with operators required to obtain airspace authorization before flights.
The system will also feature geo-fencing to restrict access to sensitive zones, real-time tracking of drone movements, and conflict detection tools to prevent mid-air incidents.
Globally, aviation bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have already rolled out UTM models, offering templates Nigeria is adapting to its local context through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Nigeria’s airspace, John warned, is becoming more complex due to a surge in licensed and unlicensed drone operators, as well as growing demand for advanced operations like Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS).
While regulatory frameworks and licensing systems are already in place, a fully integrated UTM platform is still in development.
To bridge the gap, NAMA is establishing a dedicated UTM unit to drive integration with existing air navigation systems, deploy surveillance infrastructure, and coordinate with civil and military authorities.
The agency is also investing in technologies such as multilateration to improve low-altitude monitoring.
Despite progress, challenges remain, including limited surveillance infrastructure, communication constraints, regulatory enforcement gaps and cybersecurity risks. Still, industry stakeholders see significant upside.
A functional UTM system, John noted, will boost aviation safety, unlock new economic opportunities in the drone sector, enhance national security surveillance, and create jobs in emerging tech fields.
He outlined a roadmap that includes developing a national UTM policy, deploying digital platforms, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and launching pilot projects in key cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
“The integration of drones into our airspace is inevitable,” he said. “What matters is building a system that keeps our skies safe while enabling innovation.”
With drone applications expanding rapidly, Nigeria’s move toward a coordinated traffic management system signals a decisive step toward a smarter, more secure aviation future.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
