Convener of Drone Technology Exhibition and Conference (Dronetex) 2025, Mr. Fortune Idu, has called on the Federal Government to establish a national drone plan that is inclusive and strategic. According to him, the urgency stems from the rapid integration of drones into critical sectors across Nigeria’s economy.
Mr. Idu, while delivering a recap of day one of Dronetex 2025, said drones—known in aviation terms as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)—must be treated with the seriousness they deserve. He explained that the complexity and broad utility of RPAS require a dedicated government arm, not one tucked under a directorate already dealing with other major responsibilities.
“RPAS are already transforming logistics, surveillance, and agriculture. In the next 10 years, they will also solve our urban mobility crisis,” Mr. Idu stated. He explained that with well-crafted policy and investment, drones could bridge many service delivery gaps in both cities and rural areas.
Beyond urban transport, Mr. Idu listed several areas where drones could provide immediate solutions. These include medical delivery to remote communities, search and rescue operations in disaster-prone zones, agricultural crop monitoring, pipeline inspection, aerial mapping, traffic management, wildlife protection, and border patrol operations.
He added, “Imagine drones delivering vaccines to rural villages or helping survey flood-prone areas before disaster strikes. With a national drone plan, all this becomes achievable.”
In aviation policy terms, Mr. Idu stressed that RPAS must not remain under the same unit that handles conventional aviation oversight. He proposed the creation of a specific RPAS Directorate within the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which would handle training, licensing, operational limits, airspace integration, and risk management specifically for drones.
According to him, this dedicated body should work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and even the Ministry of Health and Agriculture, due to the cross-sector relevance of drones.
He also advocated for a “test-to-certificate” approach for drone operators. This, he explained, would require individuals to demonstrate both theoretical and practical competence before being licensed to operate. “Drones are not toys. Their misuse can lead to accidents or serious national security issues. Operators must pass tests and earn their certifications just like pilots,” he said.
During the Dronetex 2025 opening session, several stakeholders echoed Mr. Idu’s concerns, urging the government to fast-track drone regulations and investments. Industry experts agreed that a national drone plan would offer structure, encourage private investment, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in drone innovation.
The event also featured drone exhibitions, panel discussions on drone applications in defense and agriculture, and startup showcases. Participants included representatives from the Nigerian Air Force, the NCAA, agricultural cooperatives, and emergency response agencies.
Mr. Idu closed by saying, “This is not science fiction. The drone future is already here. Nigeria must plan or be left behind.” He emphasised that the country stands at a critical juncture. With bold policy moves, Nigeria could create thousands of drone-related jobs, improve service delivery, and solve persistent infrastructure gaps.
As the Dronetex 2025 conference continues, attention will remain on how Nigeria’s aviation and tech sectors respond to the growing calls for regulatory clarity and technological adaptation.
