Overview

Nigeria’s agricultural drone sector is rapidly expanding under a growing digital agriculture agenda. Regulation of pesticide use and drone operations is split between aviation, health, and agriculture authorities, emphasizing safety, environmental protection, and responsible application.

Regulatory Authorities

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA): Regulates all unmanned aircraft systems under the NCAA RPAS Regulations (2019).

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC): Regulates pesticide and agrochemical registration and importation under the NAFDAC Act (Cap N1 LFN 2004).

Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (FMARD): Oversees national policy on agricultural inputs and sustainable pest management.

Drone-Specific Guidelines

• Drone spraying is permitted under controlled conditions by licensed RPAS operators and with registered products approved by NAFDAC.

• UAV operators must comply with NCAA operational requirements, including maintaining altitude, separation, and safety distances from populated areas.

• NAFDAC encourages drone integration to reduce manual exposure and improve precision but stresses strict adherence to product labels and environmental precautions.