CHUKS OKOH,
Nigeria’s aviation sector is set for a major transformation with a regulatory overhaul targeting 92 airstrips across the country.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced tightened oversight anchored in the Civil Aviation Act 2022, aiming to address crumbling infrastructure, illegal operations, and stalled economic potential.
According to NCAA Director General Captain Chris Najomo, the airstrips are lifelines for rural communities, and the regulatory overhaul will prioritize size-specific permits, emergency response integration, and rural development.
The NCAA said it has begun audits, and non-compliant operators risk penalties.
Only a fraction of the airstrips currently hold valid permits, suggesting safety risks.
The authority said it aims to fast-track upgrades and has pledged workshops to address challenges, ensuring regulations to foster growth and not stifle it.
The NCAA seeks partnerships to convert dilapidated strips into hubs for healthcare, agriculture, and tourism.
Captain Najomo emphasized that safety isn’t negotiable, while Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards Engr. Godwin Gyang Balang stressed collaboration, noting that unlicensed airports face sanctions by 2026. The summit united state governors, private operators, and global experts, with discussions focusing on funding gaps, outdated infrastructure, and permit delays.
The NCAA aims to prove even remote runways can uplift communities, and the reforms symbolize a broader shift from enforcement to empowerment. The authority bets on synergy to turn forgotten runways into engines of prosperity. With monthly progress reviews and public dashboards for transparency, the NCAA is committed to ensuring the regulatory overhaul achieves its goals.