ARCO Aviation Academy has called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to take strict action against unlicensed and untrained drone operators in Nigeria.
The appeal was made during the graduation ceremony of 12 newly certified Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) drone pilots in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The academy stressed that unregulated drone flights pose significant risks to airspace safety.
The academy’s Chief Instructor, Samuel Sunday, warned that unauthorized drone operations could interfere with manned aircraft and compromise public safety. He urged the NCAA to implement stricter enforcement of existing regulations, ensuring that only qualified and certified drone operators are allowed to conduct flights within Nigerian airspace. Sunday emphasized that regulation is essential to preventing accidents and maintaining order in the rapidly growing drone industry.
ARCO Aviation Academy is recognized as Nigeria’s first NCAA-certified Approved Aviation Organization (AAO) specializing in drone pilot training. The institution provides comprehensive courses aimed at producing skilled and competent drone operators. Its certification, granted by the NCAA in June 2025, reflects the government’s recognition of the academy’s capacity to enhance local expertise and reduce reliance on foreign training programs.
The academy’s advocacy for stricter drone regulation is part of its broader mission to promote the safe and professional development of the drone sector in Nigeria. By aligning its training programs with international standards for unmanned aerial systems, ARCO Aviation Academy seeks to position Nigeria as a leader in drone technology and innovation.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the academy’s role in building local capacity, as the newly certified pilots demonstrated the skills necessary to operate drones safely and responsibly. The event marked a milestone for the academy, showcasing its commitment to professional training and compliance with regulatory standards.
As Nigeria’s drone industry continues to expand, regulatory oversight becomes increasingly vital. ARCO Aviation Academy’s call to the NCAA underscores the importance of certified training and controlled operations in maintaining public trust, ensuring airspace safety, and supporting the sustainable growth of the country’s unmanned aerial sector.
