LAGOS, Nigeria — The Chairman of the Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition (DroneTecX), Mr. Fortune Idu, says sustained advocacy and industry collaboration driven by the annual conference have significantly reshaped Nigeria’s aviation landscape, with unmanned aerial systems now formally integrated into the National Aviation Master Plan.
Speaking at the opening of the sixth edition of DroneTecX in Lagos on Tuesday, Idu said the country’s drone sector has evolved from a loosely connected group of enthusiasts into a structured and centrally coordinated industry.
According to him, the transformation reflects years of engagement, research, and policy dialogue facilitated by the DroneTecX platform, which has influenced regulatory direction within the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He noted that the drone ecosystem, once marginal in policy discussions, now occupies a full chapter in the newly released aviation master plan — a milestone he described as evidence of the sector’s growing relevance.
“Two years ago, we were still trying to bring operators together, sometimes gathering just five to 10 participants. Today, the community has expanded significantly, and its influence is being felt at the policy level,” Idu said.
He added that earlier national drone policies were limited in scope, comprising only brief references, but have now been replaced with a comprehensive strategic framework outlining the sector’s future.
Idu highlighted key achievements of the conference to include the introduction and implementation of Part 21 regulations tailored to the drone ecosystem, as well as improved coordination mechanisms for operators.
He also disclosed that the NCAA is set to introduce a streamlined registration platform for recreational drone users under the “open category,” aimed at integrating informal operators into the regulatory system.
The initiative, he said, is designed to address safety and security concerns associated with undocumented drone activities by promoting proper documentation, awareness, and compliance.
“Even small-scale operations have implications for safety and national security. The goal is to ensure that all operators are recognised and properly guided within the system,” he said.
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Idu further stated that Nigeria is positioning itself to become a leader in digital aviation in West Africa, leveraging innovation and regulatory reforms to harness the potential of drone technology.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day DroneTecX Conference and Exhibition attracted stakeholders across the aviation value chain, including drone technologists, aviation regulators, agricultural firms, and training institutions, alongside exhibitions by drone service providers and aviation schools.
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