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Nigeria’s aviation authorities have reinforced strict compliance requirements for drone operations, introducing a detailed approval process amid rising concerns over the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The new measures aim to curb unauthorised aerial activity that could be exploited for surveillance or attacks, while also addressing safety, privacy, and the rapid commercial expansion of drones nationwide.
Drone operators must now undergo a multi-stage compliance procedure before deployment.
First, applicants are required to obtain security clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through an End User Certificate for each drone.
Authorities emphasise that this step is critical to prevent misuse by individuals or groups with potential security threats, including those linked to insurgent activity in the northeast.
Next, operators must register each drone with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) through its official portal.
Drones above 250g are already subject to mandatory registration, but the renewed guidance strengthens tracking and accountability.
Operators must then complete a five-phase certification process for safety authorisation, covering pre-application, formal application, document evaluation, demonstration, and final certification.
This aligns with NCAA regulations for remotely piloted aircraft systems and ensures that both technical competency and operational safety are verified.
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Unit, a dedicated body within the NCAA, is available to oversee drone registration, licensing, and monitoring, reflecting growing national interest in safely integrating drones into the country’s airspace.
Authorities reiterate that drones cannot be operated without prior approval from both security and aviation regulators.
Operators must respect privacy laws, avoid restricted zones such as airports and government facilities, and adhere strictly to altitude and airspace limitations.
Commercial users also face requirements for pilot certification, insurance coverage, and mission-specific operational authorisation.
The move comes as intelligence reports and field incidents indicate increased drone use by Boko Haram and ISWAP for reconnaissance, logistics, and potentially weaponised applications.
Security experts warn that without strict controls, drones could be used to gather sensitive information, monitor troop movements, or support attacks in conflict zones.
Authorities stress that while commercial drone operations are growing rapidly across agriculture, filmmaking, infrastructure inspection, and digital content creation, these benefits must be balanced against national security risks.
The Federal Government is developing a broader national policy framework to standardise operations, close regulatory gaps, and support the industry’s growth without compromising safety.
Industry stakeholders note that the compliance push signals a shift towards stricter enforcement, particularly to prevent unauthorised drones from threatening public safety or security.
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