FG To Clampdown On Airstrips Without Valid Permit
The federal government said it will clampdown on airstrips without operational permits, according to the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najoma.
The DG said this on Monday at the maiden edition of Airstrip owners/ operators Stakeholders engagement in Lagos.
Nkjamo said NCAA will begin to sanction operators without valid permit beginning January 1, 2026.
The DG further disclosed that out of 92 airstrips, few have valid operational permits.
He explained that some of the airstrips are operational, non-operational while others are under rehabilitation.
The DG disclosed that of the 92 airstrips, 68 are federal government airstrips being managed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while 24 belong to individuals and private organisations.
Najomo said, “Besides the basic AGA processes for permits, the importance of Aviation security will be emphasised.
“There is a need to fashion out strategies to address emerging threats while maximizing the use of the airstrips to contribute significantly to our socio-economic development as a nation.”
He said at the inception of his administration, the Minister, Festus Keyamo unveiled agenda for the industry to which the DG had to sign performance bond.
He said, “In the bid to implement, one of the key deliverables for the Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards is holding an airstrip owners/ operators’ engagement with a view to developing the sector for our common good.
“Recall 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 minimum safety standards for the design, operation, and maintenance of Aerodrome.
“This engagement is an alignment with this mandate to advance airstrip regulation in Nigeria.”
According to him, two international airports managed by NCAA were recertified late 2025, adding that the authority is are working to certify others soon.
He said, “We would therefore need to tweak our regulations and other guiding documents accordingly. This is the crux of this engagement.
“We are conscious of the fact that one day is obviously not enough to exhaust discussions on this important subject. We’ll therefore be looking forward to receiving further input through writing, phone calls, social media platforms etc.
“Undoubtedly Regulatory duties have long gone past the threshold of ‘stick wielding’, it is strategic collaboration for effective results without compromising standards.”
FG To Clampdown On Airstrips Without Valid Permit is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
