NCAA to closely monitor use of drones in Nigeria airspace

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Director General, Captain Musa Nuhu  has said that the regulation of the use of drones in the country’s airspace would have to be intensified because of the huge demand for drones and the pace of development of the drone market in Nigeria. Captain Nuhu disclosed during the presentation of a paper titled, ‘Drone Essence, Growth and Regulations in Nigeria’ at the Airport Business Summit on Cargo & Aero Logistics and Drone Technology Expo in Lagos. He  said the use of drones were originally developed for the Military and airspace and so there is need to monitor the use for security and safety purposes.

The DG further revealed that the NCAA and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), are “on the same page in trying to synergizing with government and stakeholders, to getting key security issues resolved and mitigate risks to national security and public safety “.

Captain Nuhu said : “Drone can be referred to as the following; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS),  Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs). Before now, though, originally developed for the military and airspace industries, they have however found their way into the mainstream because of the enhanced level of safety and efficiency they bring.

“Drone has a long and established history that dates back to centuries, but presently there is a paradigm shift. Their original use was as a weapon in the form of remotely-guide aerial missile deployers. However, today drones have found a wide range of application for civilian use. Its essence can be described with one word ‘Versatility’.

“Currently, there is a huge demand for drones. The pace of development of the drone market, both recreational and commercial is incredibly fast. With its vast use for:  Monitoring climate change, Goods delivery, Search and Rescue operations, Filming, Project inspection, Photography and Agricultural surveillance”, he said.

“The NCAA and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), are on the same page on the aspect of Security, while synergising with government and stakeholders, to getting key security issues resolved. Safety is key to the Nigerian Airspace System and our goal for unmanned aircraft remains complete and total integration. Safety and Security is a shared responsibility for stakeholders and UAV operators.” There is a need to mitigate risks to national security and public safety, posed by people who are not playing by the rules.We must ensure that the Nigerian Airspace remains safe and that the benefits of UAV operations is well understood and well implemented. I have no doubt that the current legal framework and collaboration with operators, stakeholders and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) will provide a robust  structure and system for the regulation of drone operation and its structured growth in Nigeria,” Captain Nuhu added.