The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has announced the launch of a new digital platform aimed at simplifying and regulating drone operations across the country.
The new system, known as the Drone/Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) portal, will be officially unveiled at the 6th Africa International Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition, also called DroneTecX 2026. The event is scheduled to hold from May 12 to 16 at the NIGAV Expo Centre, located at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, and shared on the agency’s official X handle on Saturday.
According to the aviation regulator, the new portal represents a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to organise and grow the rapidly expanding drone industry, which is increasingly being used in agriculture, security, filmmaking, mapping, logistics and other commercial services.
Drones, also known as remotely piloted aircraft systems, have become more popular in Nigeria in recent years due to advances in technology and rising demand for faster and more efficient services in different sectors. However, the growth of the industry has also raised concerns about safety, security, airspace control and proper regulation.
The NCAA said the new platform is designed to make it easier for individuals and organisations to comply with aviation rules while carrying out drone-related activities in the country.
According to the statement, the portal will simplify key processes such as drone registration, operator certification, incident reporting, ownership transfers and compliance management. These services will be available to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses as well as large commercial operators.
“The new digital portal consolidates the entire application and approval lifecycle into a single, user-friendly platform,” the statement said.
It added that operators will now be able to submit required documents, upload safety case files and track the progress of their applications in real time.
“Operators can now submit documentation, upload safety case files and track application status in real time, all in full compliance with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs Part 22),” the NCAA explained.
The agency said the aim is to reduce delays, remove unnecessary bureaucratic steps and improve transparency in the approval process for drone operations.
Over the years, stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation and technology sectors have raised concerns about the difficulty involved in obtaining approvals for drone use. Many operators have complained about long processing times, complex documentation requirements and limited digital access to regulatory services.
With the introduction of the new portal, the NCAA says it hopes to address these challenges and create a more efficient system that supports innovation while ensuring safety and security in the country’s airspace.
The regulator also encouraged drone operators, service providers and other stakeholders to take advantage of the platform ahead of its full rollout.
It advised interested users to visit the official RPAS portal at www.rpas.ncaa.gov.ng
and participate in the launch event at DroneTecX 2026, where live demonstrations and training sessions will be conducted.
The NCAA explained that the exhibition will also serve as an opportunity for industry players to interact with regulators, ask questions and gain practical knowledge about the new system.
They are also increasingly used in media production, land surveying, infrastructure inspection and delivery services. However, concerns remain about misuse, illegal flights and safety risks if operations are not properly controlled.
The introduction of a centralised digital system is expected to help the government better monitor drone activities, ensure compliance with safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents or security breaches.
Nigeria, like many other countries, has been working to develop clearer rules for drone usage as the technology becomes more common. Aviation authorities around the world are also adopting digital systems to manage drone registration and airspace integration more efficiently.
In recent years, the NCAA has introduced several guidelines for drone operations in Nigeria, requiring operators to obtain permits before flying unmanned aircraft. The rules are aimed at protecting both national security and public safety while encouraging innovation in the sector.
Some technology experts also note that digital platforms like the RPAS portal can help reduce corruption and human interference in approval processes by automating applications and tracking procedures online.
The NCAA expressed optimism that the system will strengthen Nigeria’s position in Africa’s growing drone and aviation technology space.
As DroneTecX 2026 approaches, attention will now shift to how effectively the new portal works in practice and how quickly operators adapt to the digital system.