NCAA to Digitally Transform Aviation Licensing Process

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is set to implement a digital transformation initiative aimed at significantly reducing the licensing process for airline operators and aviation personnel. Captain Chris Ona Najomo, the Director General of NCAA, announced that the new EMPIC software system will enable the authority to approve licenses in record time.

The initiative will allow pilots and aviation professionals to obtain renewals for licenses and medical certifications within a day, moving away from a semi-automated process that relied on fragmented databases and paper-driven workflows. This transition is expected to enhance compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and improve the traceability of licensing data.

The first phase of this initiative will focus on personnel licensing and aeromedical certifications, with plans to expand to organizational approvals and technical operations. Engr. Godwin Balang, the Director of Airworthiness Standards, confirmed that physical reports will no longer be required, streamlining the licensing process further.