The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu has emphasized the need for a strong regulatory framework that will ensure national safety and security in view of the incredibly fast huge demand for drones and the high rise in the pace of development of the drone market, both recreational and commercial.
Making a presentation on ‘Drone Essence, Growth and Regulations in Nigeria’, at the Airport Business Summit on Cargo and Aero Logistics and Drone Technology Expo at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, the NCAA DG stated that the use of drones was initially developed for the Military and airspace industries, but added that the use age has become widened now.
His words: “Drone can be referred to as the following; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs). Drone though, originally developed for the military and airspace industries, have however found their way into the mainstream because of the enhanced level of safety and efficiency they bring.
“Drone has a long and established history that dates back to centuries, but presently there is a paradigm shift. Their original use was as a weapon in the form of remotely-guided aerial missile deployers. However, today drones have found a wide range of application for civilian use. Its essence can be described with one word ‘Versatility’.
“Currently, there is a huge demand for drones. The pace of development of the drone market, both recreational and commercial is incredibly fast. With its vast use for: Monitoring climate change, Goods delivery, Search and Rescue operations, Filming, Project inspection, Photography and Agricultural surveillance.”
He, therefore, called for regulation of this vastly versatile technology and regulations declaring that adequate regulations will create a level playing field for RPAS/UAV operators and will address other issues including registration of drones, owners and operators security approvals.
The NCAA DG used the opportunity to speak on the ongoing synergy between the regulatory body and the office of the National Security Adviser on how to resolve security issues and mitigate risks to national security and public safety, posed by people who are not playing by the rules of the game.
“The NCAA and the Office of the National Security Adviser are on the same page on the aspect of Security, while synergizing with government and stakeholders, to getting key security issues resolved. Safety is key to the Nigerian Airspace System Our goal for unmanned aircraft remains complete and total integration Safety and Security is a shared responsibility for stakeholders and UAV operators”
“There is a need to mitigate risks to national security and public safety, posed by people who are not playing by the rules. We must ensure that the Nigerian Airspace remains safe and that the benefits of UAV operations are well understood and well implemented
“I have no doubt that the current legal framework and collaboration with operators, stakeholders and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) will provide a robust structure and system for the regulation of drone operation and its structured growth in Nigeria,” the NCAA DG said.
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