The Civil Aviation Administration of Nigeria (NCAA) announced that local airports without valid permits will face sanctions starting from January 1, 2026. NCAA Airport and Airspace Standards Director Godwin Balang made the announcement on Monday among Airstrip owners and operators.
“It’s not a threat, it’s a collective regulatory commitment,” Barran said. “The evolving aviation dynamics require us to update our regulatory strategies to achieve greater impact results.”
Balang revealed that among the 92 aircraft sports cars in the NCAA database, including those operating, non-operating and those who are under construction or recovery, only a few currently hold valid operating licenses. He noted that 68 runways are federal facilities managed by the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Administration, while 24 are owned by private or organizational.
He added: “This department highlights the need for stronger collaboration between the NCAA and the department to clearly define regulatory and operational roles.”
Invoking Articles 71 (3) and (4) (a), Balang emphasizes the NCAA’s legal mandate to prove airport operations and set minimum safety standards. “We must address emerging threats while maximizing the use of airplane runways to enhance the socio-economic development of Nigeria,” he said.
NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo said stakeholder participation is to strengthen communication and ensure compliance with the law. “Our goal is to articulate construction, operational and safety requirements, identify challenges, explore development partnerships and promote compliance with global best practices,” Nahomo said.
He revealed that the NCAA is developing new custom regulations for aircraft runways. “While ICAO Annex 14 standards are international benchmarks, they are sometimes too strict for smaller runways. Our tailored regulatory framework will support growth in general aviation without compromising safety,” Nahomo said.
He stressed that the initiative aligns with the NCAA’s easy-to-do business principles and supports the minister’s five-point agenda to advance the industry.
