The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has declared the agency’s unwavering commitment to building a robust regulatory framework for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 5th Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition (Dronetecx 2025), held from May 13 to 15 at the NIGAV Expo Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, Capt. Najomo outlined plans to drive innovation, ensure safety, and support national development through strategic drone governance.
With the theme “Determining the Future of UAS in Nigeria,” this year’s Dronetecx conference drew a diverse mix of industry stakeholders, policy experts, and academic leaders, signaling the nation’s growing recognition of drone technology as a critical driver of economic transformation. Capt. Najomo, in his keynote address, revealed that the NCAA is finalizing a comprehensive, risk-based regulatory framework that will guide drone operations across Nigeria.
According to the NCAA boss, the new framework will categorize drones into three operational classes, open, specific, and certified based on parameters such as weight, altitude, and complexity of use. This classification system is designed to ensure the seamless integration of drones into Nigeria’s controlled airspace while paving the way for wide-ranging applications in agriculture, logistics, construction, public safety, and more.
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Capt. Najomo also issued a clarion call for “ethical self-regulation” among drone operators, urging them to uphold safety standards and embrace accountability as the industry evolves. He challenged academic institutions to step up research and development in drone technology and tasked lawmakers with enacting forward-looking policies that will foster innovation without compromising public safety.
The three-day Dronetecx 2025 event forms a key part of the “Drone 101” public awareness campaign, aimed at educating Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), commercial drone operators, and hobbyists on responsible drone usage and safety best practices. Organized by F.C.I International in collaboration with the NCAA, the conference spotlighted emerging global trends, policy challenges, and the boundless potential of drone integration in Nigeria.
By spearheading this initiative, the NCAA is positioning Nigeria to become a continental leader in drone technology, promoting a future where unmanned aerial systems can enhance productivity, drive tech innovation, and contribute significantly to national growth. As regulatory clarity meets technological ambition, the sky is no longer the limit, it’s the launching pad.
