Aviation experts met in Lagos recently to brainstorm on the importance of Remote-piloted Aircraft System and the need to fully embrace it in order to maximise its benefits for the development of Nigeria.
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known as Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) or Remotely-piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and popularly known as drone, is the offspring of modern technology. Many countries, especially in Africa were reluctant to embrace it when it became commercialised and anyone could use it with proper licencing, but today, the technology has been fully embraced and the world appreciates its critical role in moving goods and services, information, photography, video coverage and espionage.
Unmanned Aircraft system is an aircraft without any human pilot, crew, or passengers on board. UAVs were originally developed through the twentieth century for military missions too ‘dull, dirty or dangerous’ for humans, and by the twenty-first century, they had become essential assets to most militaries. As control technologies improved and costs fell, their use expanded to many non-military applications. These include aerial photography, area coverage, precision agriculture, forest fire monitoring, river monitoring, environmental monitoring, policing and surveillance, infrastructure inspections, smuggling, product deliveries, entertainment, and drone racing.
It is because of the importance of this technology that experts in the aviation industry deliberated over its importance, its use and how it can be used for quick conveyance of light but critical products, like drugs to remote areas, capture images and do so many other things.
Security
At a two-day workshop on the 4th Drone Technology Conference (DRONTECX) held in Lagos, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stressed the importance of balancing the UAS benefits and risks.
In the paper he presented on behalf of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Emmanuel Meribole said despite the importance of the drone technology the industry must do everything to forestall its abuse, as drone could be used to do things that are inimical to public interest, saying that there is the need to safeguard civil aviation, infrastructure, and national security from non-state armed groups and terrorism.
“The Ministry prioritises drone progress but emphasises safeguarding civil aviation, countering exploitation by non-State groups and terrorists. We must find a balance between the significant benefits UAS offers across various industries and incidental risks to aviation infrastructure and national security,” he said.
He stated that the NCAA ensures safe RPAS operations with robust oversight, aided by aviation agencies and the Federal Ministry’s supervision, noting that regulating RPAS operations in Nigeria is evident, notably with the release of Part 21, outlining certification, registration, operations, and surveillance requirements, highlighting the significant role of UAS in various industries such as agriculture, health, construction, logistics, and public safety.
He emphasised the country’s commitment to safety and security through appropriate regulations, considering its unique circumstances, remarking that with projections indicating a $260bn market potential by 2030, Meribole underscored the immense benefits Nigeria and other African countries stand to gain from harnessing UAS potential.
He disclosed that Nigeria, alongside South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana, is emerging as a leader in leveraging UAS capabilities, stressing Nigeria’s proactive approach in fostering dialogue and advocating for responsible drone usage.
He proposed leveraging on DRONTECX to foster awareness and innovation among stakeholders, while mitigating risks for a safer future.
Utilisation
“This conference serves as a vital platform for government and industry stakeholders to explore ways of leveraging the UAS sector for national development. I applaud this effort and pleased to say that the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, fully supports this drive and will ensure that discussions and ultimately, outcomes from this event strategically positions Nigeria and Africa in the RPAS industry.
“Globally, the RPAS sector is evolving rapidly, playing essential roles in agriculture, health, construction, logistics, and public safety, with projections indicating a USD 260 billion market by 2030. African nations like Rwanda, Uganda, and Ghana are actively participating in this global race for leadership in RPAS technology. Recent regulatory developments, including amendments to ICAO annexes and the approval of new procedures, lay the foundation for an international regulatory framework for RPAS operations. Nigeria is actively engaging in this process while prioritizing safety and security considerations,” Meribole said.
He also observed that unlike traditional aviation, RPAS involves diverse stakeholders beyond aviators such as service providers, surveyors, geologists, engineers and so on, introducing unique safety and security challenges. He said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is tasked with providing robust oversight to ensure safe and secure RPAS operations, supported by other aviation agencies and others alongside the supervision of the Federal Ministry, noting that efforts to regulate RPAS operations in Nigeria are undeniable, such as the release of Part 21 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations being the regulatory framework, sets out requirements for certification, registration, operations, and surveillance of RPAS.
“Additionally, we have encouraged the creation of a dedicated RPAS unit within NCAA and the integration of RPAS operations into national civil aviation policy, demonstrating government’s commitment to responsible use of RPAS. The Ministry is open to more interactions with the public and welcomes suggestions to help advance the usefulness of this technology. We call on our research centres to develop solutions for applications and production capabilities to make Nigeria a leading player in this industry and not a dumping ground.
“Collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions is essential for maximizing the benefits of RPAS technology while addressing potential risks. The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is essential in providing UAS Traffic Management (UTM) and manage the UTM system to provide real- time information regarding airspace constraints and the intentions of other aircraft, when available, to UAS operators and remote pilots directly. The Ministry will oversee and ensure that both NCAA and NAMA (Nigerian Airspace Management Agency) deliver on their respective statutory responsibilities,” he said.
Misuse
According to Meribole, “As unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, become increasingly prevalent globally, concerns regarding their misuse and security risks have equally increased. While the Ministry desires the advancement associated with the use of drones, focus must at all times remain on protecting civil aviation and countering their exploitation by non-State armed groups and terrorists. We must find a balance between the significant benefits UAS offers across various industries and incidental risks to aviation infrastructure and national security. Unauthorised UAS operations near airports and deliberate disruptions to civil aviation operations underscore the need for robust regulatory frameworks and effective countermeasures.”
Meribole further said: “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) collaborates with the NCAA to address the use of UAS by non-State actors for reconnaissance that pose complex security challenges. We must remember that as Nigerians, we are all stakeholders and must continue to individually and collectively contribute to national security. DRONTECX should also be used as a positive forum to promote awareness, cooperation, and innovation among stakeholders so that the nation can fully realize the benefits of UAS technology while safeguarding against potential risks, ensuring a safer and more secure future for all.”
In his opening speech, the organiser of the conference, Mr. Fortune Idu, said the Remote-piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also called drones, has the transformative capacity to enhance the industry performance of almost all sectors, such as agriculture, mining, health service, delivery and logistics, rescue, security, inspection, survey, mapping, entertainment, sports, etc.
Market Value
He said the global estimation of the drone market size stands at $35.28 billion, describing it as one of the fastest-growing new business sectors, projected to reach $260 billion in 2030, and it has the massive potential to create jobs in small and large-scale businesses.
Idu explained that civil drone operations’ variable applications and potential, mostly in humanitarian circumstances, have made their development globally subject to national interest, observing that with a teeming youth population in Nigeria and urban transport challenges, drone technology solutions cannot be ignored.
“Therefore, the conference seeks to help begin a well-coordinated national dialogue for advancing this technology and how it can be implemented safely, securely, and responsibly,” he said.
Idu added that the NCAA must be fully empowered to coordinate the UAS development in Nigeria as a single civil aviation subsystem and be seen as the sole agency for civil UAS regulation in line with ICAO, comprised of full authority to register and monitor development.
“The conference recognises the multi-sector, multi-stakeholder nature of UAS and the challenges this can bring to coordination development. It suggests a single public interface UAS through NCAA as the most seamless way of meeting with the ease of doing business related to UAS.The NCAA should continue to consult with the primary agencies with regulatory powers in various subsections of UAS operations, such as issues of national security, communication interface, system performance, and trade, to help advance the industry responsible,” Idu said.
According to him, comprehensive data and robust data management are required for the industry data to grow safely, and this must begin by ensuring all drones within some specifications are registered with tracking numbers that allow identification of ownership, adding that all drone dealers and sellers should be required to have a special dealer license and commit to disclosing information by issuing a special form that will be forwarded to the NCAA after purchase.
“A process should be put in place to allow the temporary importation of drones for temporary works in Nigeria, education purposes, or exhibitions, not for selling purposes for trade shows and conferences. This process will allow such organisation or employer of such importance to request for no tax waivers from customs clearance to be issued
“All the processes, documentation, information, and data relevant to the advancement of UAS from research, development operations and trade in Nigeria should articulate and develop into a national framework that will guide policy and support regulation,” Idu also said.
Airspace Separation
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Umar Ahmed Farouk, who was represented at the conference, spoke about the separation of drones, the Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) and Air Traffic Management (ATM).
“As we embark on this collective journey, envisioning the skies of tomorrow, it’s crucial that we comprehend the profound shifts and opportunities that await us. Recognizing the transformative potential of integrating these systems is paramount, given the myriad prospects it offers for the aviation industry.
“Our current airspace landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements, heightened mobility demands, and the growing presence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). In this dynamic setting, UTM and ATM systems emerge as fundamental pillars supporting the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of our airspace,” he said.
Competence
“The objective is to allow only a single public interface for civil UAS activities without undermining the responsibility of the other agencies in this process.The conference recommends that pilots be required to have standard and competency-based training certification. The CAA should set up a process for certifying and accrediting pilot licence training organisations,” Idu said.
The NAMA Managing Director also noted that the convergence of UTM and ATM, once distinct entities, is now shaping the future of airspace management. With UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and drones proliferating rapidly, the necessity for a robust UTM framework is increasingly apparent.
“However, this evolution signifies more than mere adaptation; it represents a fundamental shift in our perception and navigation of airspace.The integration of UTM and ATM holds the potential for enhanced safety, efficiency, and scalability. By seamlessly merging manned and unmanned aircraft within a unified airspace management system, we can unlock new levels of operational flexibility while upholding the highest safety and security standards. This integration will streamline air traffic management processes and facilitate the adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, further enhancing system performance and reliability,” he said.
The conference made it obvious that if the use of drones were ignored or neglected before, the system, the regulatory authority, NCAA and government cannot continue to ignore it because it is now playing a critical role in transport and other areas of human endeavour.
