Drone Policy Advocacy Drives Major UAV Regulatory Growth in Nigeria
Convener of Dronetecx, Mr Fortune Idu, has said sustained stakeholder advocacy has significantly shaped Nigeria’s evolving drone policy framework over the last six years.
Speaking at the sixth edition of Dronetecx, Mr Idu explained that early efforts to stimulate conversations around unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) initially appeared uncertain. A drone policy was not even in question. However, he noted that government agencies quickly embraced the initiative, leading to major regulatory and policy developments within the sector.
According to him, collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulators has become a driving force behind the rapid transformation witnessed in Nigeria’s drone ecosystem.
Mr Idu said: “Initially when we started, we thought we were just venturing into a terrain that remained very passive for a very long time, but the actions have been very spontaneous.”
He added that support from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) encouraged deeper industry research and stakeholder participation.
“In terms of the way the CAA took what we were doing and the support we got from them, which propelled us into doing a lot of research. A lot of the changes you are seeing today as it relates to this industry is actually coming from the reports of joint efforts,” he stated.
The Dronetecx Convener emphasised that the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA now rely heavily on industry feedback in shaping drone policy decisions.
According to him, recommendations submitted during Dronetecx engagements address critical areas including safety, security and the long-term sustainability of drone policy.
“The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the CAA take our reports seriously because it is not individual reports, it is the contribution and feedback from everyone,” Mr Idu explained.
Meanwhile, he noted that public participation in drone discussions has expanded significantly over the years. He recalled that attendance during the early stages of Dronetecx was limited, with only a handful of participants attending industry conversations.
However, Mr Idu said awareness has continued to grow steadily, attracting more operators, enthusiasts and regulators into the space.
“Initially when we started, we said we were calling them out from the closet, and what happened? They came out,” he said.
“One of the gatherings was maybe just about four, five or ten people, but it is growing every year, so more people are coming out.”
Mr Idu further linked Dronetecx advocacy efforts to the eventual release of Nigeria’s Part 21 regulations governing drone operations.
According to him, stakeholders consistently pushed regulators to release the framework in order to establish clearer operational standards for UAV operators.
“Immediately after the first Dronetecx, the Part 21 regulation was released because we were campaigning for it,” he said.
In addition, Mr Idu disclosed that industry stakeholders later shifted focus towards broader drone policy coordination and future sector planning.
He explained that concerns emerged regarding fragmented development within the UAV industry and the absence of a central policy direction.
As a result, Dronetecx began advocating for a comprehensive drone policy framework capable of guiding long-term development.
“We came up with advocacy for policy framework development, and that is also on board right now,” he said.
“As I speak, the Ministry of Aviation and NCAA are taking that seriously, and they are working on the policy framework.”
The Dronetecx Convener also highlighted the inclusion of UAV operations within Nigeria’s National Aviation Master Plan as one of the industry’s biggest achievements.
According to him, drones previously occupied only a minor section within aviation policy documents. However, sustained advocacy has now secured a more detailed and strategic national roadmap.
“Initially, what you had as it relates to drone on the aviation policy document was only two paragraphs,” Mr Idu explained.
“But today, you have a full comprehensive document. Drone and UAV are now included in the National Aviation Master Plan, and it also has a roadmap showing what we want to do.”
Furthermore, he revealed that current discussions are focusing on easier registration processes for recreational drone operators classified under the open category.
Mr Idu explained that many small-scale drone users, including hobbyists and recreational flyers, previously operated outside formal regulatory structures.
He warned that this situation created both safety and security concerns.
According to him, authorities are now considering systems that will simplify registration and improve visibility for such operators.
“You see carrying cameras in playgrounds, children and parents flying drones for fun. There are safety and security implications, but that was not addressed properly,” he stated.
He added that regulators are now creating pathways to formally recognise and document recreational operators.
“The first thing is that the SDA has to capture them into the system, recognise that they exist, document them, and put drone policy and enforcement in place,” Mr Idu said.
Industry observers believe Nigeria’s evolving drone policy could strengthen innovation, security oversight and commercial UAV operations if implementation remains consistent.
