In a major step toward advancing drone technology and human capacity development in Nigeria, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially certified Arco Aviation Academy as an Approved Training Organization (ATO) for Remote Pilot Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
The announcement, made on Thursday, June 5, 2025, via the NCAA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, confirms Arco Aviation Academy’s new status as one of the select institutions authorized to provide professional drone pilot training in Nigeria.
Boosting Nigeria’s Drone Training Capacity
According to the NCAA, this development aligns with its broader objective of fostering local expertise in the deployment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The certification comes after Arco Aviation Academy successfully completed a rigorous five-phase approval process, meeting all the necessary requirements outlined in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 21.
“In a bid to enhance human capacity development in the deployment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), the NCAA today, June 4, 2025, certified Arco Aviation Academy as an Approved Training Organization (ATO) for Remote Pilot Aircraft System (RPAS) training,” the NCAA stated.
The academy is now approved to offer specialized training programs, including:
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Basic Remote Pilot Course
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Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Course
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Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Course
These programs are designed to equip aspiring drone operators with the technical knowledge and regulatory awareness required to operate safely within Nigeria’s growing airspace.
Oversight and Recognition from Aviation Leaders
The official presentation ceremony took place at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja. During the event, Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of Civil Aviation, praised Arco Aviation Academy for its full compliance with the agency’s standards and regulatory expectations. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high operational standards as the academy begins its training services.
Capt. Maikano T.W., who led the NCAA’s certification team, commended the academy’s preparedness and dedication throughout the evaluation process. In his remarks, Engr. Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, described the milestone as a “step forward for capacity development” within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Arco Aviation Responds
Representing the academy, Managing Director Okosubide Mozimo expressed gratitude to the NCAA and acknowledged the continued support of key stakeholders, including Engr. Balang. Mr. Wisdom Erae, the Accountable Manager at Arco, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to upholding aviation safety standards and delivering top-tier drone pilot education.
The NCAA noted that the academy’s certification was based on a detailed assessment of several operational areas such as:
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Administrative structure
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Instructional methodology
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Teaching materials
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Internal quality assurance systems
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Record-keeping and compliance processes
A New Chapter for Drone Integration in Nigeria
With this certification, Arco Aviation Academy joins a small but growing list of licensed institutions shaping the future of drone operations in Nigeria. As global demand for drone applications grows—from agriculture to security, logistics to filmmaking—Nigeria is steadily building the infrastructure and regulatory framework to support a safe and skilled workforce.
The NCAA’s move is part of a broader commitment to integrating unmanned aircraft systems into national airspace, supporting innovation, job creation, and improved service delivery across multiple sectors.
For young professionals and drone enthusiasts, this marks a significant opportunity to gain world-class training right within Nigeria’s borders.
