The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that beginning January 1, 2026, all local airports and airstrips operating without valid permits will face strict sanctions. Speaking at the inaugural Airstrip Owners/Operators Stakeholders' Engagement in Lagos, Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, emphasized that only a fraction of Nigeria's 92 airstrips currently meet operational permit requirements.
Balang clarified that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and private operators have been duly notified, stressing, "This is not a threat but a collective resolve." According to NCAA data, 68 of the airstrips are federal government-owned, while 24 are under private or individual ownership.
The enforcement directive draws authority from Section 71(3) & (4)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, which mandates NCAA to certify aerodromes and enforce safety compliance.
Addressing concerns over the current ₦30 million permit fee, Balang acknowledged stakeholder pleas for a fee reduction, noting that lower charges could unlock massive growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector by making air travel accessible to more citizens.
With this policy shift, Nigeria aims to strengthen aviation safety standards, encourage private sector investment, and broaden access to domestic air travel ahead of 2026.