Operators of airports without valid permits in Nigeria will face the wrath of the country’s regulatory agency beginning from January 1, 2026, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) warned on Monday.
The agency disclosed that its data revealed that there are about 92 airstrips classified as operational, non-operational while others are undergoing rehabilitation as well as new constructions across Nigeria.
Speaking at a one-day engagement with airstrip owners and operators, the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo disclosed that in line with its ease of-doing-business principle, the NCAA is working assiduously to promulgate regulations customised for airstrips which would be a catalyst for the promotion and development of general aviation.
Capt. Najomo said the objectives of the engagement was to enhance communication between NCAA, state and private airstrip operators/owners and to clarify regulatory requirements applicable to airstrip construction, operations and safety standards.
The Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at NCAA, Engineer Godwin Balang however said the proposed sanction is not a threat but a collective resolve while he added that a few of the airstrips are already up to date with their valid operational permits.
“The aviation landscape has changed drastically in recent years so the regulatory strategies must necessarily align with the realities of the season for a more impactful result.