LEGALITY OF DRONES IN NIGERIA
The astronomical development of technology is positively improving the commercial business of photography as photographers now use drones to take shots from the sky.
The drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle or an aircraft without any human pilot, crew or passengers on board. It’s flight is usually operated under remote control by a human operator. It’s sole purpose is to obtain information from the camp of the enemies (without consent) among many other purposes like aerial photography, product deliveries, agriculture, policing and surveillance, infrastructure inspections, science, smuggling, and drone racing .
For the price of drone in Nigeria or to purchase a reliable drone, visit
The drone’s importance in Nigeria which goes beyond not only being used for photography but also being used for security purposes and drone racing among young Nigerians is not to be overlooked as this technological advancement may contribute negatively or positively to the security of the nation at large. Hence, the need for legalizing its use.
It is pertinent to note that flying drones is not illegal in Nigeria.
REASONS FOR LICENSING DRONE
Let’s consider Nigeria; where the country is daily at war with terrorists and militants who can strike anywhere at anytime. If anyone should be permitted to fly a sophisticated device in the country, especially such that can serve as eavesdrop for the enemy, the purchase and operation of such device need be registered to the appropriate agency.
Therefore, if anyone is to fly a drone either for commercial services or private use there is a need to comply with necessary legal requirements such as obtaining a license.
It is against this backdrop that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) released a guideline to regulate the flying of a drone in Nigeria (NCCA drone policy).
It is imperative to note that no government agency or private person can launch aircraft in Nigeria without obtaining permits from the NCAA. Therefore, to fly a drone in Nigeria either privately or commercially, a license is required.
REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING LICENSE
First, the operator must seek authorization from NCAA and flight plans must be submitted.
Drone weight must not be more than 250 grams (i.e 0.55 lbs). Where the drone is more than the required weight, such drum will not be registered by NCAA.
Drone operators must obtain a remotely piloted aircraft system certificate before use in Nigeria.
An operator must not be less than 16 years old for private users and 18 years for commercial users.
A drone must not be operated in a way to cause harm to persons or properties.
Drones are not to be flown across the border.
It must not be operated over the high sea without obtaining authorization from the traffic control.
HOW TO REGISTER A DRONE IN NIGERIA
Visit the NCAA office and obtain a copy of the guidelines and requirements for the grant of Permit for Aerial Aviation Service (PAAS).
Fill the application form that comes with the guideline obtained.
Attached to the application form is an application letter on a letterhead addressed to the Director-General of NCAA stating the object of the remotely piloted aircraft, the model, confirmation, type, size and use within the country.
You must show that your business is incorporated with Corporate Affairs Commission with a minimum share capital of 20 million.
Fill your personal history statement at the Department of State Security Abuja to comply obtain clearance from the Nigeria Security Agency
Payment of a non-refundable processing fee of NGN 500,000 into the NCAA through bank draft for commercial use while registration for private use is free.
Having been satisfied with the application fee, PAAS will be issued by the air transport licensing committee subject to clearance by the Nigerian Security Agency. The whole process is to be concluded within six months and upon issuance of PAAS, the permit is valid for three years with an annual utilization fee of NGN100,000.
Failure to comply with this regulation attract a fine.
From the above, it is clear that Nigeria has no specific and sophisticated legal framework for the use of drones in Nigeria.
This albatross was also identified by the Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Musa Nuhu in his presentation titled ‘Drone Essence, Growth and Regulations in Nigeria’ at the Airport Business Summit on Cargo & Aero Logistics and Drone Technology Expo, in Lagos on Wednesday, June 23rd 2021.
“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”.
However, till a sophisticated legal framework will be enacted, it is important to comply with the NCAA regulations.
Disclaimer, enough care has been taken to ensure that the information provided above is accurate. However, this information should not be relied on totally and it doesn’t serve as legal advice. And so, we shall not take responsibility for any loss or damage incurred through the use of this information. It is your duty to go for a proper legal consultation.
Leave a Reply