NCAA to sanction illegal airport operators from January 2026.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that local airports operating without valid permits will face sanctions beginning January 1, 2026. Godwin Balang, director of aerodrome and airspace standards at the NCAA, made the announcement on Monday during the Airstrip Owners and Operators Stakeholders Engagement Programme held in Lagos.

“This is not a threat but a collective regulatory commitment,” Balang said. “Evolving aviation dynamics require us to update our regulatory strategies to achieve more impactful results.”

Balang revealed that out of the 92 airstrips in the NCAA database — which includes operational, non-operational, and those under construction or rehabilitation — only a few currently hold valid operational permits. He noted that 68 of the airstrips are federal facilities managed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while 24 are owned by private individuals or organisations.

“This division highlights the necessity for stronger collaboration between the NCAA and the ministry to clearly define regulatory and operational roles,” he added.

Citing section 71(3)&(4)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, Balang stressed the NCAA’s legal mandate to certify aerodrome operations and set minimum safety standards. “We must address emerging threats while maximizing the use of airstrips to bolster Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” he said.

Chris Najomo, director-general of the NCAA, said the stakeholder engagement was organised to enhance communication and ensure compliance with the law. “Our goal is to clarify construction, operational, and safety requirements, identify challenges, explore development partnerships, and promote adherence to global best practices,” Najomo stated.

He disclosed that the NCAA is developing new, customized regulations for airstrips. “While ICAO Annex 14 standards are international benchmarks, they are sometimes too stringent for smaller airstrips. Our tailored regulatory framework will support general aviation growth without compromising safety,” Najomo said.

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the NCAA’s ease-of-doing-business principles and supports the minister’s five-point agenda to advance the sector.