Nigeria's Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has proposed several amendments to the NCAA regulations of 2015 for the development of the aviation sector in the country.

The authority held a three-day consultation meeting with Nigerian aviation stakeholders to discuss the proposed amendments to the NCAA regulations. The amendments align with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and are meant to address some challenges faced in the industry.

Change of AOC regulations

NCAA Director General Musa Nuhu spoke at the stakeholder's meeting. He proposed to extend the validity of the Air Operator's Certificates (AOC) of the country's scheduled carriers from three to five years, while AOCs of non-scheduled carriers will remain valid for three years.

The Director General added that AOC applicants would not be allowed to advertise airline operations until the certificate is issued. All advertisements have to state the AOC number clearly.

In another proposed amendment, only carriers authorized for scheduled and cargo operations will be permitted to operate wet-leased aircraft for a period of six months or less. In the future, AOC applicants will need to acquire at least six Nigerian-registered aircraft before commencing scheduled operations.

Non-scheduled AOC applicants will be required to have at least one Nigerian-registered aircraft before they can begin operations. Additionally, drones will be officially regulated for the first time in the West African nation.

Check out more African aviation news here

Raising penalties for airlines

The NCAA also raised the penalties given to airlines and stakeholders for violations in the aviation sector. The maximum penalty will be about $21,690 (N10 million), while the minimum penalty will be about $2,170 (N1 million).

The authority has noted that the penalty review is not intended as a penalty but rather in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. The authority has the power to make regulations on all civil aviation matters.

Abuja Airport
Photo: Tayvay | Shutterstock

The stakeholders' consultation was essential, as it addressed various international matters. Stakeholders involved include airlines, aerodrome operators, air traffic controllers, service providers, and customers. NCAA DG Musa Nuhu said at the consultation;

"Recent passing of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act 2022 by the National Assembly and signed into law by His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, section 31 of the Act empowers the authority to make regulations on all aspects of civil aviation matters."

Boosting aviation technology

Last week, the Nigerian Federal Ministry 0f Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aviation Solutions Group (ASG) to develop and improve the status of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology. The institute is a training center for African pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, navigation aid technicians, and other aviation professionals.

Lagos Airport
Photo: Santos Akhilele Aburime | Shutterstock

According to Premium Times, a statement was issued by James Odaudu, a special assistant to the Minister of Aviation on Public Affairs. He said that the MoU would assist the college in areas of competency, training, and certification to establish itself as a significant training center for African citizens.

The school will be assisted in acquiring three full flight simulators and certification of one Boeing 737NG simulator. The collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for the college and the aviation sector. The ministry funds the school, and the government will continue to support it.

What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments!

Source: ThisDayLive, Premium Times