The ARCO Aviation Academy has called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to impose a ban on unlicensed drone operations nationwide, citing growing safety concerns within the country’s airspace.
Chief Instructor of the academy, Samuel Sunday, made the appeal in Port Harcourt, stressing that only trained and certified pilots should be allowed to operate drones. He warned that unregulated drone use could interfere with airplanes, helicopters, and other airspace users, posing a significant risk to flight safety.
“Drones should not be flown by uncertified individuals. They must undergo proper training and certification before taking to the skies,” Sunday said.
The ARCO Aviation Academy, recently accredited by the NCAA, has begun training and certifying drone pilots under the Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS) category. According to Sunday, the academy’s establishment aims to reduce capital flight and the need for Nigerians to seek drone certification abroad.
He further urged the NCAA to strictly enforce drone regulations, noting that violators could face sanctions or certificate revocation.
“We are committed to promoting safety, professionalism, and compliance in drone operations across Nigeria,” he added.
The academy’s call comes amid the rapid growth of drone usage for surveillance, agriculture, filmmaking, and logistics sectors that experts say urgently require tighter oversight to prevent misuse and enhance public safety.
