Through its recently introduced digital system, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that pilots' licenses and medical certifications would now be connected to the National Identity Number (NIN). It is anticipated that integrating the registration processes with the NIN will reduce fraud, increase security, expedite paperwork, and save time. At yesterday's stakeholder engagement and the launch of EMPIC Personnel Licensing and Medical Certification (PEL/MED) in Abuja, NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo made this announcement.
According to the NCAA president, the digital platform would improve safety supervision, boost regulatory efficacy, and facilitate industry operational excellence. He stated that following sufficient engagement with pertinent parties, the new project would be fully operational on April 2 of the following year.
Najomo stated, "The full operationalization of EMPIC PEL/MED will take place on April 2, 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 operationalization on April 2, 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 called on all parties involved to take an active part in the post-Go-Live transition efforts and get ready for complete adoption after operationalization. The NCAA president also stated that the change would guarantee a seamless, open, and globally consistent regulatory environment.