The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to develop a registration and certification process that will allow it issue a flyer Identification to flyers of recreational drones in the lower open category in a bid to curb proliferation and increase surveillance.
Director General, CAA, Capt. Chris Najomo stated this on Wednesday at the 6th International Drone Technology Conference And Expo holding at Lagos airport.
A digital registration platform was also unveiled for users to strengthen monitoring and oversight as Najomo said drones under 250 grammes remain a major focus within the recreational open category.
“This means that Nigeria’s intention to have an integrated policy document concerning Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) has gone beyond mere suggestion to an actionable proposal. We also set out to strengthen the monitoring and oversight industry by introducing a digital registration platform, which we will be unveiling today.
“I am also aware that Mr Fortune Idu and his DRONTECX have been talking with you all on CAA actions to curb drone proliferation and manage the rapid growth of the recreational open category of drones, which weigh less than 250g. In which 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.”, he said.
Najomo, who acknowledged the impact of the program on the industry said it has helped government in developing a policy framework (part 21 Regulations) that supports an already well-established regulations.
“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.
“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. We graciously received the approval of the Honourable Minister of Aviation, our dear Barr Festus Keyamo, to commence the process of developing the policy framework and road map, which has been referenced in the current International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Nigeria civil aviation master plan.”, he added.
This whole move he said , was taken to create a more conducive environment for advancing the sector seamlessly and enabling safe, secure practice.
He praised the organiser for sustaining the programme that has promoted drone technology in Nigeria and across Africa through subtle advocacy, stakeholder engagement, conferences, workshops, and training.
