The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has announced that starting January 1, 2026, it will begin sanctioning airstrip operators who fail to obtain the required permits.
This was disclosed by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the NCAA, Engr. Godwin Balang, during a stakeholder engagement programme for airstrip owners and operators held in Lagos on Monday.
The event, themed “Enhancing Safety, Compliance, and Collaboration for Efficient Airstrip Operations,” marked the maiden edition of such an engagement.
Balang noted that Nigeria currently has 92 airstrips, encompassing operational, non-operational, and those under rehabilitation or construction, but only a few meet safety and regulatory standards.
He said “It may interest this forum to note that as part of our efforts to uphold aviation safety, two of our international airports were recertified late last year, and work is ongoing to certify others.
Balang also said. “Furthermore, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been informed that, effective January 1, 2026, any local airport under its management operating without valid permits will face sanctions. This is not a threat but a collective resolve to enforce compliance.”
Reports indicate that out of the 92 airstrips nationwide, 68 are managed by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while 24 are owned by private individuals and organisations.
Balang stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between the NCAA and the Ministry to define the roles of operators and regulators more clearly. He also revealed the NCAA’s plan to establish localized operational guidelines for airstrips, noting the need for regulatory strategies that reflect the evolving aviation landscape.
“Although the term ‘aerodrome’ encompasses airstrips, there is a need for distinct policies tailored to the specific nature of airstrip operations,” he added.
While referring to Section 71 (3) and (4)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) 2022, which authorizes the NCAA to certify and issue permits for aerodrome operations and to establish safety standards for their design, operation, and maintenance, Balang stressed that the stakeholder forum aligns with this mandate and seeks to advance airstrip regulation across Nigeria.
Echoing these views, the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, stressed the necessity of regulating not just aircraft and personnel but also the entire operational environment.
Najomo said, “Aviation has evolved beyond focusing solely on machines and personnel. A poorly regulated operating environment poses significant risks.
“Global and regional bodies now recognize this reality, prompting us to expand and intensify oversight over all types of aerodromes including airstrips in the interest of safety.”
Najomo also stated that the engagement underscores the agency’s commitment to strengthening oversight, with a focus on airstrip operations.
What you should know
The NCAA has warned that from January 1, 2026, any airstrip operating without proper certification will face sanctions, as part of efforts to boost safety and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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