May 15, (THEWILL)- The Convener of Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition (DRONETECX), Mr. Fortune Idu, has called for a national dialogue to develop a comprehensive policy framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) advancement in Nigeria, urging the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to spearhead the initiative.
Idu, who made the call in his remarks at the opening ceremony of DRONETECX 2024, held at NIGAV Center, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, commended the Nigerian Government’s commitment to technology advancement, citing the release of NCAA part 21 for RPAS operation as a catalyst for growth in the drone industry.
Since its release, Idu said, the sector has experienced a remarkable 40% growth, signalling the need for vertical control and comprehensive monitoring methodologies
Growing at an astronomical rate and with the potential to offer the next form of air transportation, Idu said that in the next ten years, drones will begin to solve the problem of urban vehicular traffic congestion by taking people to the sky as taxis.
According to him, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is doing all the regular framework to make this happen sooner than we think.
Rating Saudi Arabia and Rwanda as leading countries in drone advancement in the world and Africa respectively, the Convener advised the government to see ways of developing the drone segment, which is part of the aviation sector.
According to Idu, DRONETECX 2024 creates an avenue for the NCAA and FCI International, the parent company of DRONETECX, to offer an introductory awareness bridge-building seminar, Drone101, to help all appreciate what is required as the basics for drones entering Nigerian airspace.
He, therefore, affirmed that there is more to drones than flying for recreation and visual line-of-sight operations, emphasising that the future of the sectors is yet to be imagined.
This was just as the Convener expressed satisfaction with the advancement Nigeria has made in collaboration with the NCAA under the present leadership of Capt. Chris Najomo, the acting Director General of NCAA, who is building strongly on the good works of the past administration of Capt Musa Nuhu in making the UAS subject more open and the licensing process more seamless while putting instruments for regulatory control.
Expressing concern over the fragmented nature of research and development in the drone industry, Idu urged stakeholders to collaborate openly to foster integration and compliance with safety regulations.
He emphasised the transformative potential of drones beyond recreational use, envisioning them as the future of air transportation and a solution to urban traffic congestion.
The DRONETECX convener equally announced the formation of the Nigeria Drone Enabled Group as an advocacy platform to promote the safe, secure, and responsible advancement of drone technology.
Also speaking at the event was Assistant General Manager, Licensing, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mrs. Collette Onyeulo-Nwulu, who stressed the necessity of licensing requirements for drone operation.
Onyeulo-Nwulu explained that obtaining a Remote Pilot License (RPL), as issued under Part 2, Annex 1, is crucial. This involves meeting the training requirements specified in the regulations (21.9.7.1) through an approved person or organisation aligned with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
She disclosed the risks associated with untrained drone piloting, stating: “Piloting a drone without proper training increases the risk of accidents. Drones can malfunction, lose power, or collide with obstacles, potentially causing injury to people or damage to property.”
Furthermore, she noted that drones can interfere with other aircraft in restricted airspace or near airports, posing a serious risk to conventional aircraft.
“Unauthorised drones can collide with planes or helicopters, endangering the lives of passengers and crew,” she explained.
The NCAA representative also discussed the legal consequences of flying a drone without a license in many jurisdictions. She warned that in some cases, unauthorised drone flights might intrude on people’s privacy by recording them without consent, leading to legal repercussions and damage to reputation.
Meanwhile, the fourth edition of the Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition (DRONETECX 2024) commenced on May 14, hosting a wide range of participants, including youths, students, NYSC members, drone experts, government officials, businessmen and women, Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other stakeholders.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
