Drone Laws in Nigeria

Nigeria Drone Regulations

According to Nigeria’s national aviation authority, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), flying a drone is legal in Nigeria, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact the NCAA directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: info@ncaa.gov.ng / +234 1 472 1521

Why fly a drone in Nigeria? To get aerial shots of beautiful spots like this!

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Nigeria

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Nigeria.

• It is unlawful to operate a drone without first seeking the required authorizations. Flight plans must be submitted to the NCAA for authorization prior to conducting each individual drone flight within Nigeria.
• Drones weighing more than 250 grams (.55 pounds) must be registered with the NCAA.
• Drone operators must obtain a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Certificate prior to flying in Nigeria.
• All drone operators must be at least 16 years of age or older.
• Drones may not be operated in a reckless or other manner that may cause harm to person, property, or other aircrafts.
• Do not fly across the border from or into another state.
• Do not operate over the high seas without proper authorization from Air Traffic Control.

For more information on Nigeria’s drone laws, see this document issued by the NCAA.

Know something we don’t about drone laws in Nigeria? Send us an email at support@horizonap.com. We are not international aviation attorneys and do our best to keep this page up-to-date for drone pilots, but the reality is that given the pace of the small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) industry and how governments are responding, drone regulations in Nigeria can change throughout the year, and those changes can be hard to track. If we missed something, please reach out to let us know.

Want to get a feel for the kind of footage you could get flying a drone in Nigeria? Here you go: