Drone operators seek stronger regulatory engagement, collaboration

The Nigeria Unmanned Systems Association has called for stronger engagement between drone operators and regulatory authorities to improve safety, professionalism and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s growing unmanned aviation industry.

The association said closer collaboration with government agencies and businesses would help address challenges facing drone operators while expanding the application of unmanned aerial systems in agriculture, oil and gas, and other sectors of the economy.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the association’s newly elected Caretaker Committee Chairman, Okosubide Mozimo, following a stakeholders’ meeting and election held on October 31, 2026.

The statement read, “He [Mozimo] added that the committee will focus on regulatory engagement, professionalism and capacity building. It will also deepen collaboration with government agencies, oil and gas operators and the agricultural sector to unlock the full economic potential of unmanned systems in Nigeria.”

NUSA, which represents licensed drone operators and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s unmanned aviation sector, said the initiative formed part of efforts to strengthen industry coordination and promote responsible drone operations.

The association announced the constitution of a caretaker committee to oversee its affairs, with Mozimo emerging as chairman.

Other elected officials include Damilola Adelana as Vice President and Femi Adekoya as Financial Secretary.

The committee succeeds the leadership of retired Air Vice Marshal Femi Idowu, who had headed the association since its inception.

In his acceptance speech, Mozimo thanked members for their confidence and acknowledged Idowu’s contributions to the establishment and development of the organisation.

He explained that the committee would prioritise restoring unity among stakeholders, strengthening membership records and preparing the association for a new leadership election.

According to the statement, the committee’s mandate includes stabilising the association, reconciling stakeholders, conducting comprehensive membership revalidation and organising a credible elective Annual General Meeting within its tenure.

Mozimo also disclosed plans to expand NUSA’s membership nationwide by bringing together licensed operators, government institutions and other stakeholders involved in unmanned systems.

The association believes that broader participation would strengthen its capacity to engage regulators and promote professional standards across the industry.

The new chairman called on regulatory authorities, members and other stakeholders to support the committee’s efforts to develop a safer and more commercially viable drone ecosystem.

Mozimo is an electrical and electronics engineer and Managing Director of ARCO Worldwide Services Limited, an operator certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

He also led the establishment of ARCO Aviation Academy, described by the association as Nigeria’s first NCAA-approved drone pilot training academy.

The Vice President, Adelana, previously worked as an offshore helicopter pilot with Bristow Helicopters Nigeria.

According to NUSA, he became Nigeria’s first NCAA-designated Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Inspector and has contributed to the development of the country’s drone regulations.

Adelana is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of U.F.O. Aerials Services Limited.

The Financial Secretary, Adekoya, is the founder and Managing Director of Integrated Aerial Precision, an agricultural technology company.

Popularly known as The Flyingfarmer, he is a two-time Commonwealth Scholar and Nigeria’s representative to the International Society of Precision Agriculture.

The association said the combined experience of the committee members would support its efforts to strengthen regulatory cooperation, professional training and commercial opportunities.