April 28, (THEWILL) – The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has charged airstrip owners and operators across the country to strictly adhere to regulatory provisions and global best practices in their operations.
Najomo gave the charge during the NCAA Stakeholders’ Engagement with Airstrip Owners and Operators held on Monday in Lagos.
“It is my fervent hope that these objectives will be fully realised, and that airstrip operations in Nigeria will, henceforth, be conducted in strict compliance with all regulatory provisions and global best practices,” the DG said.
He further noted that, in line with the Authority’s ease-of-doing-business principle, the NCAA is working towards the promulgation of regulations specifically tailored for airstrips, which would serve as a catalyst for promoting and maintaining safety standards.
According to Najomo, the move aligns strategically with the development of general aviation and the Honourable Minister’s five-point agenda for the aviation sector.
In his welcome address, Najomo revealed that there are currently about 92 airstrips in Nigeria, comprising operational, non-operational, those undergoing rehabilitation, and newly constructed ones. However, he pointed out that only a few have up-to-date valid operational permits.
Emphasising the NCAA’s regulatory authority as enshrined in the Civil Aviation Act 2022, Najomo explained: “While ICAO Annex 14, Volume 1 specifies standards for certification of aerodromes, these standards may be considered overreaching for airstrips. Therefore, in line with our ease-of-doing-business principle, the NCAA is working to promulgate regulations customised for airstrips to maintain safety standards and foster growth.”
He also commended the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), Engr. Balang Godwin, and his team for organising the engagement.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Balang explained that the maiden Airstrip Owners and Operators Stakeholders’ Engagement was aimed at revolutionising airstrip development and operations in Nigeria.
He noted that although airstrips fall under the broader category of aerodromes, there is a need for specific regulatory policies that address their unique features.
“At the inception of this administration, the Honourable Minister unveiled his agenda for the industry, to which the DGCA signed a performance bond. In implementing this, one of the key deliverables for the Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards is holding an engagement with airstrip owners and operators to develop the sector for our common good,” Balang said.
He reminded stakeholders that, under Section 71 (3) and (4)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA is empowered to certify and grant permits for aerodrome operations in Nigeria and establish minimum safety standards for their design, operation, and maintenance.
Balang also disclosed that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been informed that, effective January 1, 2026, local airports under its management operating without appropriate permits will face sanctions.
“This is not a threat but a collective resolve,” he stressed.
Of the 92 airstrips recorded in the NCAA database, Balang said, 68 are owned by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while 24 are privately owned.
He further emphasised the need to develop strategies to tackle emerging threats and maximise the contribution of airstrips to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
