The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has raised alarm over rising bird strikes at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, Port Harcourt International Airport, Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport in Owerri, and Akwa Ibom Airport.

Engineer Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, revealed that MMIA Lagos recorded four bird strikes on Runway 18R in a day in 2025, according to the NCAA.

While the agency has blamed bird strikes on poor waste management and unchecked habitat growth around airports, Balang stressed that regular surveillance activities are being conducted to monitor bird strikes and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Besides, the NCAA has published advisory circulars guiding aerodrome operators on complying with wildlife and bird strike regulations and is reviewing and approving Wildlife Hazard Management Plans for airports.

Balang stated that its eight critical elements guiding global best practices will shape all NCAA safety responses, particularly as they relate to wildlife and birdstrike management nationwide.

“The first element involves the legal foundation. NCAA already has sufficient powers through legislation to create enforceable aviation regulations when needed,” Balang said.

“For the second element, Balang said the updated Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2023 Part 12 compel airports to maintain Wildlife Hazard Management Plans.

”These plans are modelled on ICAO Annex 14 and detailed in the Airport Services Manual Doc. 9137, which addresses wildlife collision risks.”
FAAN also said it has imported new bird control equipment to reduce risks at high-traffic airport environments like MMIA.

In his reaction, Director General Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, prevention of bird strikes around Nigerian airports is top on its priority list, adding that NCAA inspectors have undergone intensive training on wildlife hazard management, with some attending advanced training at Missouri University, USA.