New Era of Safety, Compliance as NCAA Cracks Down on Unlicensed Airstrips

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has geared up for a new era of safety and compliance as it has announced plans to sanction airstrips and airports operating without valid permits starting January 1, 2026.

The regulator declared this during the maiden Stakeholders’ Engagement with Airstrip Owners and Operators in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the industry’s evolution.

According to the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), Engr. Godwin Balang, Nigeria has approximately 92 airstrips, with only a handful possessing valid operational permits. Of these, 68 are managed by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while 24 are privately owned.

The NCAA’s directive aims to strengthen regulatory compliance and enhance safety measures across the country’s aviation sector.

Balang emphasised that the move is not a threat but a firm step towards entrenching safety and operational excellence.

In view of this, he said the NCAA plans to introduce regulations tailored specifically for airstrips, balancing the International  Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)

standards with the federal government’s ease-of-doing-business agenda.

Considering the need for collaboration, he announced that the authority invites ongoing input from stakeholders via written submissions, phone conversations, and social media platforms.

Balang stressed that the authority aims to drive the growth of general aviation while upholding robust safety protocols.

He highlighted the objectives to include

enhancement of communication between NCAA and airstrip operators/owners.

*Clarify regulatory requirements for construction, operations, and safety standards.

*Identify and address challenges faced by airstrip operators.

*Explore collaborative opportunities for airstrip development and integration.

*Promote adoption of global best practices in airstrip management.