NUSA: New Committee To Boost Regulatory Engagement In Nigeria

• The Nigeria Unmanned Systems Association (NUSA) has elected a new caretaker committee, chaired by Okosubide Mozimo, to lead its affairs.
• NUSA is advocating for stronger regulatory engagement between drone operators and authorities to improve safety, professionalism, and investment in Nigeria's unmanned aviation industry.
• The committee will focus on regulatory engagement, capacity building, and collaboration with government agencies and key economic sectors like agriculture and oil & gas.
• New Vice President Damilola Adelana is Nigeria's first NCAA-designated Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Inspector and contributed to the nation's drone regulations.
• NUSA plans to expand its membership to enhance its capacity for regulatory engagement and promote professional standards across the industry.

A central focus for the newly appointed NUSA caretaker committee is to advocate for stronger regulatory engagement between drone operators and relevant authorities in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Unmanned Systems Association (NUSA) recently announced the formation of a new caretaker committee, following a stakeholders meeting and election held on October 31, 2026. This committee is tasked with overseeing the association's affairs and charting a new course for the country's burgeoning unmanned aviation sector. Okosubide Mozimo, an electrical and electronics engineer and Managing Director of ARCO Worldwide Services Limited, was elected as the committee's Chairman.

Other key appointments include Damilola Adelana as Vice President and Femi Adekoya as Financial Secretary. This new leadership takes over from the previous administration, which had been headed by retired Air Vice Marshal Femi Idowu since NUSA's inception. Mozimo acknowledged Idowu's foundational contributions while expressing gratitude to the members for their confidence in the new committee.

The immediate mandate for the caretaker committee involves stabilizing the association, fostering reconciliation among its stakeholders, and conducting a thorough revalidation of its membership records. These internal efforts are designed to prepare NUSA for a credible elective Annual General Meeting to select a permanent leadership within the committee's tenure. The goal is to strengthen the organization from within to better serve its members and the broader industry.

A central focus for the newly appointed NUSA caretaker committee is to advocate for stronger regulatory engagement between drone operators and relevant authorities in Nigeria. This initiative aims to enhance safety standards, promote professionalism, and attract greater investment into the nation's rapidly expanding unmanned aviation industry. The association believes that closer collaboration with government agencies and private businesses is essential for overcoming existing challenges faced by drone operators.

Chairman Okosubide Mozimo emphasized that the committee will specifically concentrate on regulatory engagement, capacity building, and upholding professional standards. Furthermore, the committee plans to deepen its collaboration with government bodies, as well as key sectors such as oil and gas and agriculture, to fully realize the economic potential of unmanned aerial systems in Nigeria. NUSA, which represents licensed drone operators and other stakeholders, views this proactive approach as crucial for strengthening industry coordination and ensuring responsible drone operations across the country.

This strategic push for enhanced regulatory dialogue is intended to expand the application of unmanned aerial systems into various economic sectors, fostering innovation and efficiency. The committee's vision is to cultivate a safer and more commercially viable drone ecosystem, benefiting both operators and the wider Nigerian economy. Mozimo has called upon regulatory authorities, NUSA members, and other stakeholders to support these efforts.

The new NUSA leadership brings significant experience directly relevant to the regulatory landscape of unmanned aerial systems in Nigeria. Chairman Okosubide Mozimo leads ARCO Worldwide Services Limited, an operator certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and also spearheaded the establishment of ARCO Aviation Academy, recognized by NUSA as Nigeria's first NCAA-approved drone pilot training academy. His background underscores a deep understanding of operational and training compliance requirements.

Vice President Damilola Adelana further strengthens the committee's regulatory expertise. Adelana, a former offshore helicopter pilot, holds the distinction of being Nigeria's first NCAA-designated Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Inspector. He has also played a role in the development of Nigeria's drone regulations and is the founder and CEO of U.F.O. Aerials Services Limited. Financial Secretary Femi Adekoya, founder and Managing Director of Integrated Aerial Precision, contributes expertise from the agricultural technology sector, highlighting the diverse applications of drone technology.

NUSA plans to expand its membership nationwide, encompassing licensed operators, government institutions, and other stakeholders involved in unmanned systems. This broader participation is expected to significantly bolster the association's capacity to effectively engage regulators and promote professional standards throughout the industry. The collective experience of the new leadership, combined with an expanded membership base, is poised to influence the future direction of drone regulations Nigeria.

Lawyers advising drone operators or businesses utilizing unmanned aerial systems in Nigeria should closely monitor the Nigeria Unmanned Systems Association's (NUSA) engagement with regulatory bodies like the NCAA, as this collaboration may lead to new or revised compliance requirements and operational guidelines for the industry.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH