NCAA to Begin Implementation of New Regulations in July

By Chinedu Eze


The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that the  new Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) promulgated in December, 2015, will take effect from July 1, 2016.

The new regulation was supposed to update new development and policies done in the industry since the first regulation as amended was introduced.

It was also expected to correct errors and pitfalls of the last regulation in terms of conflicting rules and lack of clarity in directives given to guard the sector.

Spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, said the decision to start the implementation of the new regulation  was contained in a Circular Ref: NCAA/DG/AOL/21/16/01 sent to all Airline Operators last month.

“While all operators are in possession of the copies of the regulations, the interregnum between April and the commencement date is a permissible transitional period. During this time, all stakeholders are expected to acquaint themselves with the contents therein for seamless implementation,” Adurogboye said in a statement.

According to him, the process of review was set in motion to align Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) with recent International Civil Aviation Organisations (ICAO) amendments and industry observations received by the authority.

“In other words, the reviewed Nig.CARs is to ensure a completion of the annexes. Provisions have therefore been made for economic and consumer protection regulations – that were hitherto not incorporated in the 2009 edition.

“In addition, the NCAA decided on the review to standardise the operational procedures, implementation and enforcement in the industry,” Adurogboye said.

He noted that all these have been done in conformity with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as contained in the Annexes to the Chicago Convention.

“The new Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2015 has 19 parts comprising general policies and definitions; personnel licensing; aviation training organisations; registration and marketing; airworthiness; approved maintenance organisations; instrument and equipment; operations; air operator certification and administration and commercial air transport by foreign air carrier within Nigeria.

Others are commercial aircraft operations used for specialised services (aerial works); aerodrome regulations; air navigation services; carriage of dangerous goods by air; environmental protection regulations; aviation security and offences,” he explained.

The regulatory body, Adurogboye remarked, urged all airline operators of Nigeria and all stakeholders to ensure total and sustained adherence to the reviewed regulations.

“Any breach would be met with the stipulated sanctions,” he warned.