NCAA; Established in May 1999, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) that is generally referred to as the general overseer or police of the industry began operations in January 2000. Being the apex regulatory body of the aviation industry in Nigeria, NCAA was saddled with the responsibility of enforcing compliance with safety rules, such as inspection, operation, certification, licensing, monitoring and protection for the overall interest of operators, users of aviation services as well as the general public and the nation as a whole.
Endowed with some of the brightest and most experienced aviation professionals, NCAA is structured into directorates of Air Transport Regulations (DATR), Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), Directorate of Airworthiness Standards (DAWS), Directorate of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards (DOLTS), Directorate of Administration and Corporate Affairs (DAC) and the Directorate of Finance and Accounts (DFA).
The operating principles, guidelines and standards of the Authority are in tune with the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO, of which Nigeria is a prominent member. One of the key functions of the Authority is the issuance or revalidation of licences. NCAA has successfully processed over 60 licences to various kindof operators, while many other applications are receiving attention. Serving as an advisory body to the Minister of Aviation on issuance of Air Transport Licence (ATL) among others, NCAA also ensures that operators conform to regulations and standards in matters of aircraft type, certification and continuing airworthiness[i].
[i] The NEWS, February 21, 2005
