The Lagos State Police Command said all drones, regardless of weight or permit, require registration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin said this following a viral video where police officers demanded a permit from a drone operator on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.
“Permit or no permit, all drones must be registered,” said Hundeyin in a post on X.
An X user @bar_tunde suggested permits were only required for drones exceeding 250 grams.
“You need a permit only when your drone is weighing more than 250grams, is the drone in question weighing up to that or they just believe it is because guys do avoid drones that are more than 250grams in order not to go through permit wàhálà, even those using DJI don’t buy the one that will make them seek permit.”
Hundeyin countered the claim by sharing a screenshot from the NCAA website outlining registration requirements for all drone usage.
“To fly a drone: you must be 16 and above, You must register and get an approval and You must have a registered company in case of specific and complex drones.”
This clarification follows an earlier statement by the Lagos State Police Command, which confirmed the officers in the viral video acted legally in requesting a permit, as Nigerian aviation law mandates them for any drone over 250 grams.
“For emphasis, Nigerian aviation laws stipulate that a permit must be obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the operation of drones weighing more than 250 grams anywhere within the country,” the police said.
The police, however, condemned the unprofessional conduct of the officers by attempting to extort the drone operator, as seen in the concluding part of the video.
Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Adegoke Fayoade, directed the Commanding Officer of 49 PMF Akodo, from whose squadron the police officers were posted to the bridge, to produce the men for disciplinary actions.
