The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA says effective 1st January 2026, local airports without appropriate permits under its management would be sanctioned.
Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards NCAA Godwin Balang made this known in Lagos while speaking at the Airstrip Owners/Operators Stakeholders Engagement disclosed that they are dealing with 92 airstrips, 68 are Federal government airstrips managed by the ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while 24 belong to individuals and private organisations, as there is need for the Engagement with a view to developing the sector for a common good.
He said “FAAN has been informed that effective January 1, 2026, local airports under its management that lack appropriate permits will be sanctioned accordingly. This is not a threat but a collective resolve”
Balang disclosed that the Stakeholders Engagement is aimed at revolutionising Airstrip development and operation in Nigeria, adding that there is need to develop specific regulatory policies that will focus on the peculiarities of airstrip development and operations.
He noted that “Section 71(3) &(4)(a) of the CAA 2022 empowers the Authority to certify and grant permits to conduct Aerodrome operations in Nigeria and to establish safety standards for the design, operation and maintenance of Aerodrome. This engagement is an alignment with this mandate to advance airstrip regulation in Nigeria.”
He stressed that they are focusing on the 92 airstrips, as a few are already up to date with their valid operational permits.
“We are conscious of the fact that one day is obviously not enough to exhaust discussions on this important subject. We therefore be looking forward to receiving further input through writing, phone calls, social media platforms etc
He stressed that Regulatory duties have long gone past the threshold of “stick wielding ” , as it is strategic collaboration for effective result without compromising standards.
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