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NCAA to link pilots’ licencing, medical certification to NIN
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosedl plans to link pilots’ licencing and medical certification to the National Identity Number (NIN) through its newly launched digital system.
The integration of the registration procedures to the NIN is expected to curb fraud, boost security, save time, and streamline paperwork.
The Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo at the launch of EMPIC Personnel Licensing and Medical Certification (PEL/MED) and stakeholder engagement in Abuja on Monday, said the digital platform will strengthen regulatory effectiveness, advance safety oversight, and enable operational excellence in the industry.
The NCAA boss noted that the new initiative will be fully operational on April 2, 2026 after adequate engagements with relevant stakeholders.
Najomo said, “For many years, the aviation sector relied on manual and semi-digital processes for licencing and medical certification. While these processes served their purpose, the increasing complexity of our industry, the demand for real-time regulatory oversight, and the expectations of a modern aviation workforce necessitated a shift toward a more robust and technology-driven approach.
“The deployment of the EMPIC PEL/MED system a globally recognized, ICAO-aligned software for aviation regulators, is a demonstration of our commitment to adopting world-class digital tools to support Nigeria’s aviation growth. It represents a fundamental modernization of the way we manage licensing, medical certification, inspector oversight, data integrity, and industry compliance
“With this system, stakeholders will now experience a fully digital licencing and medical certification process with improved turnaround times, a unified platform for applicants, inspectors, ATOs, AAMEs, and operators to engage seamlessly with the Authority and greater transparency and accountability, supported by traceable workflows and audit trails.”
On when the system will be fully operational, he said: “The full operationalisation of EMPIC PEL/MED will take place on the 2nd of April, 2026.
“This phased approach is deliberate, and necessary to ensure system stability, stakeholder preparedness, data integrity, and regulatory continuity. Between now and the formal operationalization date, NCAA will complete final data validation and migration activities and stakeholders will undergo continued onboarding and user support.
“Upon operationalisation on April 2nd, 2026, EMPIC PEL/MED will become the official and mandatory platform for all applicable personnel licensing and aviation medical certification transactions, in accordance with NCAA regulations.
“This is part of our broader vision to create a modern aviation environment that is competitive, efficient, and compliant with global best practices.”
Najomo while urging stakeholders to actively participate in the post-Go-Live transition activities and prepare for full adoption upon operationalisation, added that the transition will ensure a smooth, transparent, and internationally aligned regulatory environment.
The Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), Engr. Godwin Balang said the system has lota of quality assurances to guard against mistakes.
He also disclosed that there will be four biometric data centres in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano for easy access by operators and other stakeholders.
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