The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that it will begin imposing sanctions on airstrip operators who fail to obtain the required permits starting January 1, 2026. Engr. Godwin Balang, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the NCAA, made this announcement during a stakeholder engagement session for airstrip owners and operators in Lagos on Monday.
The event, titled “Enhancing Safety, Compliance, and Collaboration for Efficient Airstrip Operations,” marked the first such engagement of its kind. Balang highlighted that Nigeria has a total of 92 airstrips, including operational, non-operational, and those under rehabilitation or construction. However, only a few are currently compliant with safety and regulatory standards. He shared, “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.”
He also announced, “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.”
Out of the 92 airstrips in the country, 68 are managed by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while 24 are owned by private individuals and organizations. Balang emphasized the importance of increased collaboration between the NCAA and the Ministry to clearly define the roles of operators and regulators.
Additionally, Balang revealed the NCAA’s plans to develop localized operational guidelines for airstrips, aiming to adapt regulatory strategies to 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.
Referring to Section 71 (3) and (4)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) 2022, which grants the NCAA authority to certify and issue permits for aerodrome operations and establish safety standards, Balang emphasized that the stakeholder forum was aligned with this mandate to enhance airstrip regulation across Nigeria.
Capt. Chris Najomo, the Director General of the NCAA, echoed Balang’s comments, stressing that regulation should extend beyond aircraft and personnel to include the entire operational environment. “Aviation has evolved beyond focusing solely on machines and personnel. A poorly regulated operating environment poses significant risks,” Najomo noted.
He added that global and regional bodies now recognize this reality, prompting the NCAA to intensify oversight over all types of aerodromes, including airstrips, in the interest of safety.
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