The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has announced that starting January 1, 2026, it will begin sanctioning airstrip operators who fail to obtain the required permits.

The Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the NCAA, Engr. Godwin Balang stated this during a stakeholder engagement programme for airstrip owners and operators held in Lagos on Monday.

The event, themed “Enhancing Safety, Compliance, and Collaboration for Efficient Airstrip Operations,” marked the maiden edition of such an engagement.

According to Balang, Nigeria has a total of 92 airstrips, including operational, non-operational, and those under rehabilitation or construction. However, only a few are currently compliant with safety and regulatory standards.

He said “It may interest this forum to note that as part of our efforts to uphold aviation safety, two of our international airports were recertified late last year, and work is ongoing to certify others.

Balang also said. “Furthermore, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been informed that, effective January 1, 2026, any local airport under its management operating without valid permits will face sanctions. This is not a threat but a collective resolve to enforce compliance.”

The PUNCH gathered that from the 92 airstrips in the country, 68 are managed by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while the remaining 24 are owned by private individuals and organisations.

Balang emphasized the need for greater collaboration between the NCAA and the Ministry to define the roles of operators and regulators clearly.

He also announced the NCAA’s intention to develop localized operational guidelines for airstrips, citing the need to adapt regulatory strategies to the evolving aviation landscape.

“Although the term ‘aerodrome’ encompasses airstrips, there is a need for distinct policies tailored to the specific nature of airstrip operations,” he added.

While referring to Section 71 (3) and (4)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) 2022, which authorizes the NCAA to certify and issue permits for aerodrome operations and to establish safety standards for their design, operation, and maintenance, Balang stressed that the stakeholder forum aligns with this mandate and seeks to advance airstrip regulation across Nigeria.

Echoing Balang’s remarks, the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo stressed the importance of regulating not just aircraft and personnel, but the entire operational environment.

Najomo said, “Aviation has evolved beyond focusing solely on machines and personnel. A poorly regulated operating environment poses significant risks.

“Global and regional bodies now recognize this reality, prompting us to expand and intensify oversight over all types of aerodromes including airstrips in the interest of safety.”

Najomo also stated that the engagement underscores the agency’s commitment to strengthening oversight, with a focus on airstrip operations.