… To eliminate capital flight

Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief & Nnasom David

ARCO Worldwide Services Limited (AWS), one of Nigeria’s commercial drone operations pioneers has obtained a Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA’s) certificate to run the ARCO Aviation Academy (AAA)

With this development, AAA becomes Nigeria’s first Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)-certified Approved Aviation Organisation (AAO) dedicated solely to drone pilot training.

The Managing Director of AWS, Engr. Okosubide Mozimo, who received the certificate from the Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, in Abuja, this afternoon, said, “The milestone positions AWS at the forefront of capacity building in the unmanned aviation sector.

“With the establishment of AAA, AWS reinforces its commitment to advancing industry standards, safety, and innovation in Nigeria’s drone ecosystem.”

He added that the Academy would effectively address the capital flight associated with the training of Nigerian drone pilots in other countries of the world.

Speaking further, Engr. Mozimo said, “This has been a vision since 2016.

“We’ve logged over 9,500 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight hours, particularly in monitoring oil and gas pipelines for theft and vandalism. Drones are already revolutionizing sectors across the globe, and Nigeria must not be left behind.”

With the official approval, Arco Aviation Academy becomes the first institution to receive this kind of certification in Nigeria, heralding a new era in local drone technology, innovation, and job creation.

“This moment shows that perseverance pays,” he said. It’s not just about the license, it’s about building a sustainable drone ecosystem,” he added.

On capital flight, the MD said, “There was a time we spent between $20,000 and $25,000 per pilot for training overseas, in the U.S., Dubai, South Africa. That meant dealing with forex instability, visa delays, and logistics.

“With this certification, all of that will now be done here in Nigeria, in naira. This is a big win, for our company, for the economy, and for the youth.”

Engr. Mozimo highlighted the economic impact of the academy, noting that over 51 pilots had been trained abord and that with the Academy in Port-Harcourt it would be a great opportunity for Nigerian youths who want venture into drone technology.

In addition to the existing Academy in Port-Harcourt, the MD said that there was plan to expand to Lagos and Abuja.

In his remarks, the NCAA boss said he was elated at the determination of the AWS  and for remaining committed to the development of the sub-sector in the country.

Capt. Najomo pledged the support of the NCAA to AAA which he described as a model for the training of drone pilots in the country.

According to him, drones are the way to go, given the critical roles they now play in many areas of human activities.

Capt. Najomo’s words, “This is a new beginning and a pioneering step.  You’ve gone through a lot. The certificate we’re giving you is not just a recognition, it’s a call to maintain high standards.

“This is the first time something like this is happening, and you are leading the way.

“The drone is the future, and this innovation is not only timely, it is well worth every naira spent.”

He emphasized that maintaining the certificate would require strict compliance with NCAA regulations and promised continued surveillance from the Authority.

Capt. Wilson Maikano, General Manager,  General Aviation Operations at NCAA, echoed the DG’s sentiment, recalling the long and challenging journey that culminated in the certification.

He said that his team made a vigorous assessment of AAA and that it met all necessary requirements.

The Chief Operating Officer of ARCO, Mrs. Ann Temidara, described the certification of AAA as a feat that would boost the nation’s economy and the drone sub-sector in the country.

She said that the organization was determined to play a pivotal role in the drone sub-sector of the Nigeria aviation industry.

According to the Accountable Manager, of Aco Aviation Academy, Wisdom Erae, the school is committed to exceeding regulatory expectations.

“This achievement is a testament to the passion and perseverance of our team. We are fully committed to upholding the highest standards in training, safety, and innovation,” he said.

AAA is licensed to provide comprehensive training for Basic Remote Pilot certification, Remote Pilot certificate course (VLOS) and Remote Pilot Certificate course BVLOSV.