The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a safe, secure and globally competitive drone industry.
This is just as stakeholders at the 6th Dronetecx Conference and Exhibition in Lagos called for stronger regulation and a comprehensive national policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA launches a Drone Portal.
Speaking at the conference, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, said Nigeria is intensifying efforts to balance innovation with national security as drone operations continue to expand across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, oil and gas, logistics, construction and security.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Deputy Director, Defence Affairs, Commodore Oscar Mbanu said the Federal Government had adopted a strict but innovation-friendly regulatory framework requiring security clearance, end-user certification and operational approval before drones can be deployed.
He disclosed that a multi-agency drone task force involving the NCAA, security agencies and other relevant bodies had been established to strengthen monitoring, enforcement and accountability, while the End-User Certificate system would help track imported drones and prevent misuse.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Kambari, represented by the Director of Air Safety and Administration in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mrs. Rubiyatu Aliu, announced the launch of a new digital drone registration portal and Flyer ID scheme introduced by the NCAA in partnership with Dronetecx to improve oversight and proper registration of operators.
She urged drone operators to comply with regulatory requirements, warning that innovation must operate within the law.
Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, said the Federal Government was moving from policy discussions to implementation with plans to establish a comprehensive national drone policy and roadmap approved by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo.
He noted that the framework would complement existing aviation regulations and provide clearer direction for investors and operators in the rapidly growing industry.
Conference organiser and founder of Dronetecx, Mr. Fortune Edu, said Nigeria must urgently position itself as a leading player in Africa’s emerging drone economy or risk losing opportunities to countries already advancing in the sector.
He explained that the proposed national framework would support innovation, research, advanced air mobility and job creation while preparing the country for future drone applications including cargo delivery and passenger transportation.
Stakeholders at the conference expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government agencies and industry operators would accelerate the safe growth of drone technology and support national development.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen