- The Deadline: January 2026 is the do-or-die date for airport approvals.
- The Enforcer: Godwin Balang, NCAA’s Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), is leading the charge.
- The Stakes: Closure and suspension for non-compliance.
- The Goal: Enhanced safety and regulation of Nigerian airstrips.
NCAA Issues Stern Warning to Unapproved Airports
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is putting its foot down! According to Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), any airport or airstrip caught operating without a valid operational permit will face serious consequences. We’re talking closure, folks! The deadline? January 2026. Consider this your final warning.
Get Your Permits or Get Shut Down!
During a recent stakeholder engagement, Balang made it crystal clear: airports must obtain valid operational permits from the NCAA before conducting any flight operations. Otherwise, they’re looking at suspension. The NCAA is serious about increasing surveillance of airstrip operations across Nigeria. According to reports, out of 96 airstrips, only a fraction currently possess up-to-date permits.
The Law is the Law: Section 71 is Key
Balang cited Section 71 (3) & (4)(a) of the NCAA 2022. This section empowers the authority to grant permits for aerodrome operations and, crucially, to establish minimum safety standards for their design, operation, and maintenance. In simpler terms, the NCAA has the legal right to ensure airports are safe and properly run. Airports like the Murtala Muhammed International Airport have been recertified, showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to aviation advancement.
Why is This Happening Now? The Minister’s Mandate
According to Balang, this initiative is part of a larger agenda set by the Minister of Aviation. The Director General of the NCAA signed a performance bond to ensure its implementation. One of the key deliverables is improving airstrip regulation in Nigeria for the benefit of everyone.
FAAN Joins the Fight for Safer Skies
The NCAA isn’t alone in this. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is also on board, and they are backing the move to sanction non-compliant airports. This isn’t just a threat; it’s a promise to improve the safety and standards of air travel in Nigeria.
What This Means for You
If you’re an airport operator, now is the time to get your house in order! Ensure your permits are valid and that you’re meeting all safety standards. Otherwise, you might find yourself grounded come January 2026. For travelers, this means safer skies and a more reliable air travel experience. However, potential disruptions should be expected. Travellers should double-check departure and arrival times.
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