Nigeria has about 92 airstrips ,only few are up to date with valid operational permits-NCAA
Capt.Chris Najomo
Presently, there are about 92 Airstrips in Nigeria based on the existing NCAA Airstrip database.
These consist of the Operational, Non-operational while some are under rehabilitation and others are entirely new constructions.
Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,Capt.Chris Najomo made this known while speaking at Stakeholders engagement with Airstrip Owners/Operators in Lagos.
Unfortunately, he lamented, only a few are up to date with valid operational permits.
The event therefore,according to him is a platform to align shared objectives, strengthen strategic relationships, and foster mutual understanding as we work together to advance Nigeria’s aviation sector with respect to airstrip operations.
He noted that it is on record that aviation at its early stage focused, rather, on the machines and men with little or no consideration for the operating environment.
“ However, both the global and
regional bodies are now awake to the realities that a poorly regulated aircraft operating environment spells doom for the industry”.
“It is based on this premise that we decided to focus on all types of aerodromes in a bid to expand and intensify regulatory oversight over them in the interest of safety. “
“I must reiterate for the purpose of emphasis, that regulatory duties reside with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority as enshrined in the Civil Aviation Act 2022. “
“Therefore, our gathering here today is in fulfillment of this mandate with emphasis on airstrip operations.”
While ICAO Annex 14 Volume I specifies standards for certification of aerodromes, these standards may be considered over-reaching for airstrips.
In line with our ease of-doing-business principle therefore, NCAA is working tirelessly to promulgate regulations customized for airstrips which would be a catalyst for the promotion and development of general aviation while, of course, maintaining safety standards.
He itemizes the objectives of the engagement as:
- To enhance communication between NCAA and state and private airstrip operators/owners.
- To clarify regulatory requirements applicable to airstrip construction, operations and safety standards.
- To identify and address challenges faced by state and private airstrip operators.
- To explore collaborative opportunities for airstrip development and integration into Nigeria’s aviation system. And finally;
- To promote the adoption of global best practices in airstrip operations and management.
Najomo is hopeful that these objectives will be fully realized and airstrip operations in Nigeria will, henceforth, be conducted in strict compliance with all regulatory provisions and global best practices.
He commend the NCAA Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards and his team of facilitators for delivering on “ project for this engagement.”
To the esteemed attendees, the Director General encourage them to actively participate in the event and make it worth the while in our strides to raise the aviation bar in Nigeria.
