As the demand for civil use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/ Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) otherwise known as drones in the Nigerian airspace grows, the office of the national security adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have convened a one-day stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja to articulate policies on the use of the device.
The director general of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman said in a statement issued in Lagos that participants would be drawn from the military, federal ministry of aviation and its parastatals, flying clubs, tour operators, aviation correspondents, movie industry practitioners, aviation committees of the national assembly, sports organisations as well as some neighbouring African countries.
Usman said the event slated for November 21, 2016 is a mandatory exercise for all stakeholders in the interest of safer skies.
He said discussions will revolve around safety implications, risk assessment, oversight, regulations and certification.
“There has been lots of interest shown for the civil use of UAV)/RPA otherwise known as drones in the country, though, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is yet to publish Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as far as its certification and operations are concerned.
“However the NCAA has put in place the Regulations/Advisory Circular for certification and operation for the use of civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/ Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in the Nigerian Airspace, through (Nig CARs Part 8.8.1.33) and implementing Standards.
“Since the Civil Operation of RPA/UAV will require approval/permit from NCAA and the ONSA, the need for the stakeholders meeting has become very necessary,” he said.
