As can be seen in my last Aviation Law article (How to acquire an Air Transport Licence & Airline Operator License in Nigeria), the Nigerian Aviation Regulatory Framework has detailed specifications on how to procure certain participatory permits.
This article will be more focused on the topic of Aircraft registrations in Nigeria, with special focus on the topics of :-
– The Regulatory agencies in charge of Aircraft registrations in Nigeria.
– The Requirements for aircraft registrations in Nigeria.
– Who is eligible to register an aircraft in Nigeria.
Is aircraft registration compulsory in Nigeria?
Yes, it is, otherwise operating an unregistered aircraft can attract a wide range of civil and criminal liabilities.
Which government agency is in charge of aircraft registration in Nigeria?
The government agency responsible for aircraft registrations in Nigeria is the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Who is eligible to have an aircraft registered in Nigeria?
An aircraft is eligible for registration of it is owned by:-
– A Nigerian citizen.
– An individual foreigner lawfully admitted for permanent residence in Nigeria.
– A corporation lawfully incorporated and doing business under the laws of Nigeria if the aircraft is based & primarily used in Nigeria.
– A Nigerian government entity or political subdivision.
– A foreigner who has leased the aircraft to one of the persons described above provided that :-
a). the aircraft may remain on the Nigerian registry only for as long as the lease remains in effect;
b). the certificate of registration includes the names and addresses of the lessees;
c). the aircraft is not more than 22 years old and not registered under the laws of any state apart from Nigeria.
What are the requirements for aircraft registration in Nigeria?
After the aircraft has been evaluated and found acceptable for issuance of a certificate of registration it is required to submit to submit the following documents to the authority:-
– A certificate or notice of deregistration from the previous state of registry or a letter from the state of manufacture, if the aircraft is new and has never been registered in any other state, confirming non-registration.
– Documentation to prove the aircraft ownership e.g. a bill of sale.
– A copy of a government issued means of Identification or any other Identification approved by the authority.
– A Certified True Copy (CTC) of a certificate of incorporation issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission if the aircraft is owned by a company.
– Names of the directors of the company owning or leasing the aircraft.
– A CTC of the lease agreement if the aircraft is on lease with evidence of payment of all applicable stamp duties.
– A CTC of the Power of Attorney executed by the owner/lessor & the lessee of the aircraft.
– A CTC of an aircraft current insurance certificate.
– A proof of payment of the prescribed fees.
– A CTC of an Air Transport Licence (ATL), an Airline Operator License (AOL), or a Permit For Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) .
What is the procedure for the allocation of aircraft registration marks?
Aircraft registration marks can be reserved after the payment of a reservation fee which will be valid for 6 months.
Aircraft registration marks will be allocated to applicants in sequence with the 5N- prefix.
Special Registration marks of the applicant’s choice can be allocated on request in writing when available and come with extra fee requirements in addition to regular Aircraft Registration charges.
