NCAA vows to sanction airstrips, airports without permits by January 2026

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has vowed to sanction airstrips and airports operating without valid permits beginning January 1, 2026.

The Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Godwin Balang, made this known during the Airstrip Owners and Operators Stakeholders Engagement Programme held on Monday, April 28, 2024 in Lagos.

Balang stressed that the decision was not a threat, but a firm step toward strengthening regulatory compliance across the country’s aviation sector.

He said Nigeria currently has about 92 airstrips — including operational, non-operational, and those under rehabilitation or construction — but only a handful have valid operational permits.

He explained that while 68 airstrips are managed by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, 24 are owned by individuals and private organizations, highlighting the urgent need for better coordination between the NCAA and the Ministry to enhance oversight.

Balang noted that the NCAA has the legal authority under Section 71(3) and (4)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) 2022 to certify aerodrome operations and set minimum safety standards. He added that, in response to recent changes in the aviation sector, the NCAA plans to update its regulations with a stronger emphasis on aviation security.

Speaking at the same event, NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to enforcing compliance with both national regulations and international best practices.

Najomo said the stakeholder engagement was organized to build stronger communication with state and private airstrip operators, clarify regulatory expectations, and encourage the adoption of global operational standards.

He further revealed that the NCAA is working on new, customized regulations specifically for airstrips — different from the more stringent requirements for major aerodromes — to foster the growth of general aviation while maintaining high safety standards.

Themed “Enhancing Safety, Compliance and Collaboration for Efficient Airstrip Operations,” the event drew participants from major aviation bodies, including the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.