Mr Fortune Idu, Chairman, DroneTecx and some officers of Nigerian Air Force at the 5th Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition themed: “Determining the Future of UAS in Nigeria” held at NIGAV Expo Centre, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesda
yAt the 5th Drone Technology Expo and Conference held at the NIGAV Expo Centre, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, stakeholders from across Nigeria’s aviation and technology sectors gathered to examine the growing significance of drone technology in national development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Director of the event, Fortune Idu, emphasized the central role of Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in unlocking opportunities across diverse industries—from agriculture and healthcare to security, disaster response, and cinematography.
Since its launch in 2020, the annual Dronetecx event has evolved into a critical platform for advocating the use of drone technology beyond aviation, particularly in driving innovation and economic participation among African youths.
“This technology is largely in the hands of young people,” Idu said. “It creates space for quick entrepreneurship, job creation, and social impact across sectors. But alongside these opportunities are critical safety and regulatory challenges that must be addressed.”
The conference featured a dedicated seminar titled “RPAS: What to Know”, forming part of the broader DRONE 101 public awareness campaign. Designed to demystify drone operations for recreational and SME users, the session sought to align grassroots understanding with national regulatory standards.
Speakers from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) led the technical discussions, covering essential topics such as:
- Drone operations in aviation – Capt. Wilson Maikano Tijo
- Understanding Part 21 regulations – Capt. Olusina Akinsete
- Operational safety protocols – Amin Bakam
- Training and pilot licensing – Collette Onyeulo
Another highlight was a presentation on STEM education and career progression in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), delivered by Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, Registrar of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja.
The three-day event also featured a series of plenary and technical sessions, including a policy framework dialogue on UAS advancement, keynote presentations by industry leaders, and an indoor drone control and precision landing demonstration. The latter, supported by FCI International, is part of a broader effort to pilot a “test-to-permit” certification model for amateur drone users.
Fortune Idu acknowledged the support of government officials and aviation stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana; and Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda from the Ministry of Defence.
He also extended appreciation to NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, for backing the initiative, and to the many sponsors and partners including FAAN, AAAU, Yangda China, Aeril Robotix, Aerco Worldwide, Ere, and Elint System. The event also welcomed participants from Ghana’s Drone Hub, expanding the network of regional collaboration.
Industry exhibitors such as the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Drone Academy, NUSA, and Integrated Aerial Precision showcased advancements and tools aimed at strengthening Africa’s drone ecosystem.
The entire conference is being streamed live and available for replay on YouTube, offering broader access to participants and stakeholders.
“We are excited about what lies ahead,” said Idu. “Dronetecx is not just about technology—it is about building capacity, setting standards, and preparing Africa to take the lead in drone development and application.”
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