NCAA Cracks Down: Unlicensed Airports Set for Fines in 2026
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has stated that starting from January 1, 2026, local airports lacking valid permits will be subject to penalties.
On Monday, Godwin Balang, who serves as the director of aerodrome and airspace standards at the NCAA, announced this information during the Airstrip Owners and Operators Stakeholders Engagement Program in Lagos.
This isn’t a threat; rather, it’s a shared pledge for regulatory oversight," explained Balang. "The changing landscape of aviation necessitates updating our regulatory approaches to ensure we attain more significant outcomes.
Balang disclosed that among the 92 airstrips listed in the NCAA database—including those that are active, inactive, undergoing construction, or being repaired—only a small number have valid operating licenses at present.
He pointed out that 68 of the airstrips are federal facilities overseen by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, whereas 24 belong to private entities or organizations.
"This separation underscores the need for enhanced cooperation between the NCAA and the ministry to distinctly outline their regulatory and operational responsibilities," he noted.
Referring to sections 71(3) and (4)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, Balang highlighted the NCAA's authority under the law to approve aerodrome operations and establish basic safety requirements.
"We need to tackle new threats and make the most of airfields to strengthen Nigeria’s socioeconomic progress," he stated.
Chris Najomo, who serves as the director-general of the NCAA, mentioned that the stakeholder meeting was arranged to improve communication and guarantee adherence to legal requirements.
"Our objective is to outline construction, operation, and safety standards, pinpoint obstacles, investigate potential collaboration opportunities, and encourage compliance with international best practices," Najomo emphasized.
He revealed that the NCAA is working on new, tailored guidelines specifically for airstrips. "Although ICAO Annex 14 standards serve as global reference points, they can be overly strict for more modest-sized airstrips at times."
"Our customized regulatory structure aims to foster the expansion of general aviation while maintaining high safety standards," Najomo stated.
He highlighted that the plan is consistent with the NCAA’s ease-of-doing-business guidelines and backs the minister’s five-pronged strategy for sector development.