According to a statement released by the agency and signed by Capt. Chris Najomo, Ag. Director General of Civil Aviation, the incident prompted the NCAA to reiterate the critical regulations governing Nigerian airspace.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stringent warning to all aircraft operators after receiving a report from the office of the National Security Adviser about an unknown aircraft flying over the Presidential Villa (DNP4).
According to a statement released by the agency and signed by Capt. Chris Najomo, Ag. Director General of Civil Aviation, the incident prompted the NCAA to reiterate the critical regulations governing Nigerian airspace.
The NCAA referenced Part 8.8.1.21 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) 2023, which states, “No person may operate an aircraft in a prohibited area or in a restricted area, the particulars of which have been duly published, except in accordance with the conditions of the restriction or by permission of the state over whose territory the areas are established.”
The statement addressed to all aircraft operators and other aviation in a letter dated April 16, 2024 and with reference number NCAA/DGCA/AIR/11/16/319 reads, “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority received a letter from the office of the National Security Adviser reporting a sighting of an unknown aircraft flying over the presidential Villa (DNP4).
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority wishes to refer to Part 8.8.1.21 of Nig.CARS 2023, which states that ‘No person may operate an aircraft in a prohibited area or in a restricted area, the particulars of which have been duly published, except in accordance with the conditions of the restriction or by permission of the state over whose territory the areas are established.’
“Any such violation shall be liable to sanction, prosecution or both by the Authority. In addition, the intruding aircraft may risk being met with dire consequences.”
“This AOL is applicable to all Operators operating in the Nigerian Airspace,” the NCAA added.
It further noted, “All Aircraft Owners and All Operators should advise their Crew to obtain thorough weather briefing before flight and adhere strictly to ATC instructions to avoid flight into restricted or prohibited areas.”
However, Capt. Najomo highlighted the consequences of such violations, warning, “Any such violation shall be liable to sanction, prosecution or both by the Authority. In addition, the intruding aircraft may risk being met with dire consequences.”
