ARCO Aviation Academy Urges NCAA To Bar Uncertified Drone Operators

The ARCO Aviation Academy has called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce stricter regulations on drone operations and prohibit uncertified individuals from piloting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across Nigeria.

Speaking at a recent graduation ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the academy’s Chief Instructor, Samuel Sunday, emphasised that the airspace is increasingly vulnerable due to uncontrolled drone flights by people lacking the required certification.

He warned that without proper pilot training and licensing, drone operations could interfere with aircraft, helicopters, and other users of the national airspace, posing serious safety risks.

Sunday highlighted that ARCO is the first institution in Nigeria accredited by the NCAA to train drone pilots, aiming to curb capital flight by offering local certification.

The academy has asked the regulator to enforce a mandatory requirement that only certified drone pilots may operate in the country a move supported by the fact that, according to NCAA data, no drone currently in Nigeria has full certification.
The call comes amid growing interest in drone technology across sectors such as agriculture, mapping, and surveillance, and an urgent need to align operations with safety and regulatory standards.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola