DIRECTOR GENERAL, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt. Musa S. Nuhu has said the huge demand for drones and the pace of development of the drone market, both recreational and commercial is incredibly fast and so needs strong regulatory frame work to ensure safety and security .
This is just as he has said that the NCAA and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), are on the same page in trying to synergizing with government and stakeholders, to getting key security issues resolved and mitigate risks to national security and public safety, posed by people who are not playing by the rules
Captain Nuhu made this known in his presentation ‘Drone Essence, Growth and Regulations in Nigeria’ at the Airport Business Summit on Cargo & Aero Logistics and Drone Technology Expo where he said the use of drones were originally developed for the Military and airspace industries
He went on to state that now drones are used for monitoring climate change, goods delivery, search and rescue operations , filming agricultural surveillance and so on
He said, “Drone can be referred to as the following; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS),  Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs). Before now…Though, originally developed for the military and airspace industries, they have however found their way into the mainstream because of the enhanced level of safety and efficiency they bring.
“Drone has a long and established history that dates back to centuries, but presently there is a paradigm shift. Their original use was as a weapon in the form of remotely-guide aerial missile deployers. However, today drones have found a wide range of application for civilian use. Its essence can be described with one word ‘Versatility’.
“Currently, there is a huge demand for drones. The pace of development of the drone market, both recreational and commercial is incredibly fast. With its vast use for:  Monitoring climate change, Goods delivery, Search and Rescue operations, Filming, Project inspection, Photography and Agricultural surveillance
According to the NCAA helmsman, there is need for regulation of this vastly versatile technology and regulations will create a level playing field for RPAS/UAV operators and will address the following and other issues – Registration of drones, owners and operators Security Approvals
“The NCAA and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), are on the same page on the aspect of Security, while synergizing with government and stakeholders, to getting key security issues resolved. Safety is key to the Nigerian Airspace System Our goal for unmanned aircraft remains complete and total integration Safety and Security is a shared responsibility for stakeholders and UAV operators
“There is a need to mitigate risks to national security and public safety, posed by people who are not playing by the rules.We must ensure that the Nigerian Airspace remains safe and that the benefits of UAV operations is well understood and well implemented
“I have no doubt that the current legal framework and collaboration with operators, stakeholders and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) will provide a robust structure and system for the regulation of drone operation and its structured growth in Nigeria,†Nuhu said.
