Experts eye drones as catalyst for economic leap
By Itohan Abara-Laserian
Stakeholders in the aviation sector have charted paths to explore how drone regulation, training, and certification could fast-track Nigeria’s growth in vital economic sectors.
The discussion unfolded at the 5th Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition (Dronetecx 2025), with the theme: ‘Determining the Future of UAS in Nigeria’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are attracting growing attention from regulators, operators, and technology entrepreneurs.
Mr Godwin Balang, Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), revealed that no drone in Nigeria currently meets certified standards.
He explained that the absence of certification is due to a lack of written national standards, which the NCAA is now working to develop.
Balang referenced ICAO’s Annex 6, Part IV, a future-facing framework not yet implemented globally for Certified Category RPAS.
He noted that most Nigerian drone operators currently fall under ‘open’ or ‘specific’ categories.
He clarified that while ROC is for certified drones, operational authorisation suits those in the specific category.
Balang stated that the NCAA will use Specific Operational Risk Assessment (SORA) to approve specific category drone operations.
According to him, approval types will vary depending on whether the drone is in the certified category or not.
“Certified RPAS will require compliance with Nigeria’s aviation regulations covering licensing, training, airworthiness, and maintenance.
“However, drones outside this category will continue to be authorised on a case-by-case basis,” he said.
Balang also highlighted General Aviation as a hidden engine for Nigeria’s economy, particularly through regional airstrip access.
He said efforts are underway to use airstrips to connect rural areas and boost local economies.
On his part, Capt. Wilson Tijo, aviation professional, stressed that Nigeria must adopt ICAO’s eight Critical Elements to operate certified aircraft safely.
These include legislative frameworks, safety systems, trained personnel, and robust oversight mechanisms.
Conference convener, Mr Fortune Idu, said drone technology can drive economic empowerment across Africa.
He noted that drone applications extend to health, farming, emergency response, and creative sectors like cinematography.
“This is a youth-led technology that creates fast-track paths to entrepreneurship,” Idu said.
He stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns to ensure safe and secure drone operations nationwide.
Also, Capt. Olusina Akinsere, senior NCAA officer, highlighted NCAA’s 2023 RPAS regulations as a major step toward drone safety and compliance.
The event drew regulators, drone operators, tech entrepreneurs, and government representatives, uniting to shape Nigeria’s drone future. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
