The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has unveiled plans to replace its manual, paper-based licensing system with a fully digital platform covering pilots, engineers, medical personnel, and other aviation professionals.

The new system, scheduled to commence on 2 July 2026, is designed to remove long delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically slowed down the issuance, renewal, and certification of licences by the regulatory agency.

Speaking on Tuesday at the unveiling of the Modern Personnel Licensing and Certification Stakeholder Engagement under the NCAA Digital Transformation Initiative held at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the era of prolonged waiting periods for aviation licences would soon be over.

He described the initiative as a significant milestone in the authority’s reform agenda, noting that Nigeria’s aviation sector can no longer depend on outdated systems in an increasingly fast-changing global industry.

Najomo said, “Personnel licensing in America is key to airline operators. It is very important. This is what pertains everywhere in America and other advanced aviation systems.

“I am sure airline operators are asking, ‘When are we going to start? When are we going to stop waiting one week, two weeks, sometimes one month for licences to come out?’ But I tell you, it is going to be over soon. There will be no more waiting.”

The NCAA boss explained that the digital transformation initiative will introduce a transparent online system for the issuance, renewal, and conversion of licences. He added that applicants will also be able to track the progress of their applications in real time, improving efficiency and accountability in the process.

According to him, the platform will also introduce biometric-backed credentials and QR code-based licence verification, aligned with international best practices. He said this would enhance security, improve transparency, and strengthen data integrity across the aviation industry.

Najomo further noted that the global aviation sector has moved beyond fragmented databases, semi-automated systems, and paper-driven processes, stressing that modern regulatory oversight now relies heavily on technology-driven platforms and real-time verification systems.

“The deployment of this digital licensing and medical certification platform represents the first phase of the NCAA’s wider digital transformation programme,” he stated.

He disclosed that subsequent phases of the programme would extend to Air Operator Certificate processing, Approved Training Organisations, Approved Maintenance Organisations, aerodrome certification, air navigation service providers, ground handling organisations, and approvals for the handling of dangerous goods.