Drone industry stakeholders call for unified regulation for drones and making the NCAA a centralized hub for coordinating Unmanned Aerial Services across the nation. This is key feedback from the 4th Drone Conference and Exhibition 2024 convened by Fortune Idu.
The gathering brought together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds including drone operators, enthusiasts, government regulators, and Air Navigation Services Providers (ANSPs).
Amidst the backdrop of an ever-expanding drone industry globally, the consensus among attendees was clear: Nigeria needs a streamlined regulatory framework to navigate the complexities and capitalize on the opportunities presented by UAS technology.
The CAA emerged as the focal point for this endeavor, with stakeholders advocating for its transformation into a one-stop-shop for all civil UAS regulation, in alignment with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Furthermore, during the proceedings, key figures in the Nigerian aviation landscape echoed the sentiment of unified regulation for drones.
The Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, delivered a compelling address on the second day of the conference. He highlighted the dual nature of drones as both a boon and a potential threat to civil aviation and national security.
Minister Keyamo stressed the importance of finding a delicate balance between harnessing the benefits of UAS technology across various industries. He also emphasized the need to safeguard against misuse by non-state actors, which poses significant risks.
“We must find a balance between the significant benefits UAS offers across various industries and incidental risks to aviation infrastructure and national security,” Minister Keyamo emphasized. His remarks underscored the critical need for comprehensive and adaptive regulatory measures.
His remarks resonated with stakeholders, who acknowledged the pressing need for a robust regulatory framework to address emerging challenges. These challenges include unauthorized drone operations near airports and deliberate disruptions to civil aviation activities.
Engineer Farouk Umar, Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), echoed Minister Keyamo’s sentiments. He did so during his presentation on the first day of the conference, reinforcing the critical points discussed.
Speaking on the Future of Airspace Separation System, Engineer Farouk emphasized the transformative potential of integrating Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) with traditional Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems. This integration promises to enhance airspace safety and efficiency significantly.
Moreover, he highlighted Nigeria’s evolving airspace landscape, driven by rapid technological advancements and the proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). In this dynamic environment, UTM and ATM systems are viewed as fundamental pillars supporting the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of Nigeria’s airspace.
“Using high-tech systems like artificial intelligence and blockchain is essential for managing drones effectively,” Engineer Farouk remarked. “We need to update our old systems to ensure seamless integration between piloted and unmanned aircraft, ultimately enhancing air traffic control, reducing delays, and preserving the environment.”
These sentiments were echoed by Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). She highlighted the transformative impact of drones on airport management practices, emphasizing their potential benefits.
Represented by Director Special Duties, Henry Agbebire, Kuku stressed the importance of leveraging drones to optimize runway inspections efficiently. Furthermore, he also highlighted the role of drones in enhancing perimeter security, providing a more robust defense mechanism.
Additionally, Kuku noted that drones could conduct wildlife hazard assessments with unprecedented precision and efficiency, minimizing risks. This innovative approach underscores the potential of drone technology to revolutionize traditional airport management practices.
“Drones have revolutionized the way airports are managed worldwide,” Kuku affirmed. Airport operators can harness drone technology to minimize operational disruptions and reduce manual inspection costs significantly. Additionally, drones can enhance overall safety and security measures, providing more efficient monitoring and response capabilities.
The overarching theme of the conference was clear: the applications and benefits of UAS technology are multifaceted and transformative. However, a unified regulatory framework is essential to safeguarding infrastructure and lives, ensuring the technology’s safe integration.
As drones continue to proliferate and evolve, it is imperative for Nigeria’s aviation authorities to stay ahead of the curve. Ensuring that regulations remain adaptive and responsive to emerging threats and opportunities is crucial for managing drone advancements.
In conclusion, the 4th Drone Conference and Exhibition 2024 served as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. This event highlighted the importance of collective efforts to advance Nigeria’s aviation industry and address drone-related challenges.
The resounding call for unified regulation under the auspices of the Civil Aviation Authority reflects a collective commitment to fostering innovation. Prioritizing safety and sustainability in the ever-evolving landscape of drone technology is essential for continued progress.
