The Federal Ministry of Transportation (Aviation) is set to host the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) symposium on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in Abuja from July 17 to July 18.
A brochure of the symposium obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday showed that the event had the theme “Remotely Piloted Aviation in Africa: sharing experiences and challenges”.
The brochure also showed that the event would provide a unique opportunity for states, international organisations and stakeholders to share experiences in addressing RPAS operations across Africa and Indian Ocean.
It added that the event would focus on challenges to be overcome and benefits to be obtained, identifying how existing rules needed to evolve to facilitate the entrance of RPAS community into the civil aviation system.
The symposium, according to the brochure, will also examine alignment between ongoing RPAS development and support regulatory provisions.
“The symposium will also showcase the opportunities that will be created by the integration of RPAS into the global civil aviation system.
“It will increase awareness of states, regulators and airspace users of the importance of adapting the existing regulatory framework to the needs of a fast growing new member of the aviation community.
“It will also increase awareness on the capabilities of RPAS technologies and the impact of those new capabilities on civil aviation activities showcased through panel discussions and exhibitions.
“International aviation as a whole will be incentivised to make the best possible use of the new tools created to support the integration of RPAS.”
Mr James Odaudu, the Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, said the event was a measure of confidence in the current administration in the management of the nation’s aviation industry.
Odaudu added that the decision of ICAO to hold its symposium in Nigeria was also an endorsement of the policies and programmes of the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen Hadi Sirika in the sector.
He expressed confidence that the programme would bring additional value to the nation’s aviation sector.
He said “this is a very important aviation event that ICAO is holding in Nigeria in recent years and it is a measure of confidence in the current administration in aviation sector.”
ICAO is a UN specialised agency established by states in 1944 to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and Nigeria is one of the 191 member states. (NAN)