NCAA Certifies Starwing Aviation for RPAS Operations

Nigeria’s burgeoning drone industry is gradually taking flight as the nation’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially presented the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Operations Certificate (ROC) to Starwing Aviation Limited.

The certification, which was the culmination of a meticulous regulatory process, was handed over on Monday, 3 June 2025, at the NCAA Headquarters in Abuja by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Chris Najomo.

Captain Najomo, while performing the presentation, commended Starwing Aviation for successfully undergoing the rigorous evaluation and urged the company to sustain strict compliance with operational standards.

“Obtaining the certificate is one thing; maintaining it is what truly matters,” the DGCA emphasised. “Compliance is the foundation of safety and operational excellence in the aviation sector.”

The RPAS certification signifies Starwing Aviation’s eligibility to legally operate drones for commercial purposes within Nigerian airspace.

This achievement is seen as a pivotal moment for the country’s aviation sector and innovation ecosystem, positioning Nigeria as a potential leader in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment across Africa.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, detailed the intensive and highly technical nature of the certification process.

He highlighted NCAA’s close monitoring and rigorous assessments that ensured Starwing’s operations meet international safety, security, and environmental protection standards — including bird strike mitigation.

“This process was not only about ticking boxes. It was a careful, layered assessment that focused on operational safety, risk mitigation, and readiness to integrate into controlled airspace,” Engr. Balang stated.

In his closing remarks, respected aviation expert Dr. Harold Demuren applauded the NCAA’s commitment to excellence, noting that this certification represents a strategic advancement for the country.

“This is a commendable move that sets the stage for Nigeria to become the drone operations hub of Africa,” he remarked. “I am confident that Starwing Aviation will uphold the highest standards and demonstrate compliance at every level of operation.”

Responding on behalf of Starwing Aviation, the Managing Director, Mr. Demuren Kunmi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the DGCA, Engr. Balang, and the NCAA Licensing team. “We are immensely thankful for your support, co-operation, and professional guidance throughout this journey,” he said.

Industry observers consider this development a strong indication of NCAA’s resolve to promote innovation and ease of doing business in the aviation sector — without compromising safety, regulation, and international best practices.

With the RPAS certification now in hand, Starwing Aviation is poised to lead a new chapter in Nigeria’s technological advancement through drone deployment across various industries, including agriculture, surveillance, delivery, and disaster response.