Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that it will hold the 6th Africa International Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition, known as DroneTec 2026, from May 12 to May 16, 2026, as the country takes decisive steps toward regulating drone and unmanned aircraft operations across its airspace. The conference, which will be held at the NIGAV Expo Centre, located within the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, will also feature the official launch of the NCAA’s dedicated drone or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) portal. The event is expected to attract industry stakeholders, technology developers, government regulators, and security experts from across Africa and beyond, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the rapidly expanding drone technology sector.
According to the NCAA, the new portal represents a major milestone in the country’s efforts to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the operation of drones in Nigerian airspace. The digital platform is designed to streamline the registration, licensing, and monitoring of drone operators, ensuring that all unmanned aircraft operations comply with national safety and security standards. The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the unauthorised use of drones, which have been increasingly deployed for surveillance, commercial deliveries, agricultural mapping, and even for recording events at crowded places, often without proper oversight. By centralising the registration process, the NCAA aims to enhance situational awareness, mitigate safety risks, and prevent potential misuse of drone technology for illegal or dangerous purposes.
The DroneTec conference is expected to explore a wide range of topics related to the integration of drones into civil aviation, including remote identification systems, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, counter‑drone technologies, and the use of drones in emergency response and infrastructure inspection. Industry experts predict that the event could serve as a launchpad for new partnerships between local tech startups and international drone manufacturers, while also providing a platform for the NCAA to engage directly with operators and address their concerns. The conference will also feature panel discussions, product exhibitions, and live flight demonstrations, offering participants a firsthand look at the latest advancements in drone technology and regulation.
The decision to regulate drone operations aligns with global trends, as aviation authorities in the United States, the European Union, and other regions have also implemented registration and licensing requirements for drone operators. In Nigeria, the NCAA has been working for years to develop a robust regulatory framework, and the launch of the RPAS portal is seen as a critical step towards achieving that goal. The new system is expected to allow individuals and organisations to register their drones, obtain permits for specific operations, and receive updates on airspace restrictions and safety guidelines. The NCAA has also indicated that it will soon introduce mandatory training and certification programmes for commercial drone pilots, further professionalising the industry and reducing the risk of accidents.
As the conference approaches, stakeholders have expressed cautious optimism about the potential of the new regulations to unlock economic opportunities while ensuring public safety. The commercial drone market in Nigeria is growing rapidly, with applications ranging from precision agriculture to real estate marketing and security surveillance. However, the absence of clear rules has created a grey area, allowing unlicensed operators to fly drones without accountability. The NCAA has stated that the new portal will address this gap, providing a transparent and efficient system that encourages compliance without stifling innovation. The agency has also assured that the registration process will be affordable and accessible to small‑scale operators and hobbyists, while maintaining rigorous standards for commercial use.
The DroneTec 2026 conference will run for five days, with the first two days dedicated to technical workshops and training sessions, followed by the main exhibition and conference programme. High‑level officials from the Ministry of Aviation, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and other regulatory bodies are expected to attend. The event will also feature a keynote address by the Director General of the NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, who is expected to outline the agency’s vision for the future of unmanned aviation in Nigeria. As the country positions itself to harness the benefits of drone technology, the successful implementation of the new portal will be a key test of the NCAA’s capacity to regulate a rapidly evolving sector. With the conference set to begin in just two days, all eyes are on Lagos, where the future of Nigerian drone operations will be shaped.
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