The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a comprehensive initiative aimed at overhauling airstrip development and operational standards across the country. This strategic move seeks to establish dedicated regulatory policies tailored specifically for airstrips, distinguishing them from broader aerodrome regulations.
Speaking during the inaugural Airstrip Owners and Operators Stakeholders Engagement held in Lagos, Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, emphasized the growing recognition within international and regional aviation circles that a poorly regulated airstrip environment poses significant risks to the entire aviation industry.
With the theme ‘Enhancing Safety, Compliance and Collaboration for Efficient Airstrips Operations’, the forum aimed not only to reinforce safety protocols but also to open effective communication channels between the NCAA and private airstrip owners and operators. The initiative focuses on clarifying regulatory expectations, identifying operational challenges, and fostering collaboration for sustainable development in the sector.
According to Captain Najomo, Nigeria currently has 92 airstrips listed in the NCAA database — spanning operational facilities, non-operational sites, those undergoing rehabilitation, and newly constructed airstrips. Alarmingly, only a fraction of these have valid operational permits, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory intervention.
To address this, the NCAA has ramped up its regulatory oversight to encompass all categories of aerodromes, with particular focus now on airstrips. This approach balances rigorous safety requirements with the government’s ease-of-doing-business principles.
Captain Najomo reaffirmed that the NCAA’s authority over airstrip operations is grounded in the Civil Aviation Act of 2022. He noted that while international standards such as those outlined in ICAO’s Annex 14 Volume I provide a framework for aerodrome certification, these can sometimes prove too stringent for airstrip operations. The NCAA’s goal, he said, is to adapt global best practices to Nigeria’s unique aviation environment without compromising safety.
Also speaking at the event, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at NCAA, Mr. Godwin Balang, highlighted the necessity of reviewing and updating existing regulations in response to the rapid evolution of the aviation industry. He stressed the importance of adopting new strategies to counter emerging security threats while positioning airstrips as catalysts for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Mr. Balang added that contemporary regulatory practices have moved away from strict enforcement to strategic partnerships, prioritizing collaboration and compliance over punitive measures. He expressed optimism that the stakeholder forum would yield actionable insights and lasting reforms for Nigeria’s airstrip sector.
