The Convener of the Drone Technology Conference & Exhibition, Mr. Fortune Idu, urges a dialogue for national plan and policy framework for drone regulation. He made this appeal during the opening speech at DRONETECX 2024, marking the fourth installment of the annual conference series. Idu stressed the importance of developing strong regulatory frameworks, as current laws cannot adequately manage such a fast-moving industry.
Idu emphasized, “There is more to drones than flying for recreation and visual line-of-sight operations. The future of this sector is still unfolding.” He emphasized the rapid growth of the drone industry, stating, “It is expanding rapidly and will revolutionize air transportation.” It is the solution for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).”
He projected a transformative future for drones, predicting, “In the next ten years, drones will alleviate urban traffic congestion by offering aerial taxi services.” ICAO is doing all the regular framework to make this happen sooner than you think.”
Assistant General Manager Licensing Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mrs. Collette Onyeulo-Nwulu stressed the necessity of licensing requirements for drone operation. Mrs. Onyeulo-Nwulu maintained that obtaining a Remote Pilot License (RPL), as issued under Part 2, Annex 1, is crucial. This involves meeting the training requirements specified in the regulations (21.9.7.1) through an Approved Person or Organization aligned with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
She highlighted the risks associated with untrained drone piloting, stating, “Piloting a drone without proper training increases the risk of accidents. Drones can malfunction, lose power, or collide with obstacles, potentially causing injury to people or damage to property.” Furthermore, she noted that drones can interfere with other aircraft in restricted airspace or near airports, posing a serious risk to conventional aircraft. “Unauthorised drones can collide with planes or helicopters, endangering the lives of passengers and crew,” she explained.
The NCAA representative also discussed the legal consequences of flying a drone without a license in many jurisdictions. She warned that unauthorised drone flights might intrude on people’s privacy by recording them without consent, leading to legal repercussions and damage to reputation.
In conclusion, the calls for a national drone regulation policy at DRONETECX 2024 highlight the urgent need for enforceable regulations. These measures are essential to ensure safety, privacy, and the orderly development of the drone industry in Nigeria.
