The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reinforced its regulatory mandate with the issuance of landmark aviation certifications to two operators, granting an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to 3 Horizons Limited and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Operations Certificate (ROC) to Caverton Helicopters.
The certifications, presented at separate ceremonies at the NCAA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, underscore the Authority’s commitment to strengthening safety oversight while enabling industry growth and innovation.
On Wednesday, 17th September 2025, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, formally handed over the AOC to 3 Horizons Limited, authorising the company to commence operations as a charter airline in Nigeria. He commended the airline for successfully completing the rigorous certification process, which he described as one of the most comprehensive safety and operational assessments in the industry.
“The certification of 3 Horizons is a clear demonstration that Nigeria’s aviation industry is expanding on a strong foundation of safety,” Capt. Najomo said. “The NCAA will sustain active surveillance of all operators to ensure full compliance with safety standards, protect passengers, and preserve the integrity of the sector.”
In response, Capt. Sanni Mohammed Shehu, Director of Operations and Chief Pilot of 3 Horizons, expressed gratitude to the NCAA for its guidance throughout the certification stages, pledging that the airline would uphold safety and reliability as its core values.
Two days earlier, on Monday, 15th September 2025, Capt. Najomo also presented Caverton Helicopters with an ROC, following what he described as a painstaking evaluation process. Capt. Ibrahim Bello, Managing Director of Caverton Helicopters, said the approval would expand the company’s capacity to safely and efficiently deploy RPAS technology in line with international best practices.
With the issuance of these certifications, the NCAA has once again demonstrated its resolve to strike a balance between safety oversight and business facilitation. Industry stakeholders note that the development not only broadens Nigeria’s pool of licensed operators but also reflects the dynamism and safety-driven nature of the country’s aviation sector.
