Nigeria emerges from aviation blacklist with IDERA overhaul
The Federal Government has taken a commendable step to enhance Nigeria’s aviation sector by updating the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) regulations. This move aims to streamline the process of registering or deregistering aircraft within the country and align Nigeria with global standards.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, announced the updated IDERA during a signing ceremony in Abuja. He commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support in achieving this milestone.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Capetown Convention and Associated Aircraft Protocol, which introduced IDERA in 2015. The primary goal of IDERA is to reduce the costs associated with financing high-value mobile assets that cross borders. With the updated IDERA regulations, the Minister emphasized that aircraft can now be retrieved from Nigeria within a mere five days.
This significant improvement positions Nigeria as a more attractive destination for aircraft registration and investment. Prior to the update, Nigeria faced challenges in the aviation sector and was even blacklisted by some international organizations.
However, the implementation of the updated IDERA demonstrates the country’s commitment to enhancing its aviation infrastructure and regulatory framework. The Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, highlighted the positive impact of the Convention.
He explained that registered aircraft owners can now request an IDERA within five days, facilitating access to dry-lease aircraft and boosting the operational capacity of Nigerian airlines. This update is expected to attract more international investors and aircraft owners to Nigeria, contributing to the growth and development of the country’s aviation industry.
What is IDERA?
Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) is a crucial process in the aviation industry that ensures the safe and legal transfer of aircraft ownership and export.
It is a mechanism designed to prevent fraudulent activities, such as aircraft hijacking or illegal export, while also facilitating legitimate aircraft transactions.
The IDERA process typically involves the following steps:
Application Submission: An individual or entity seeking to deregister and export an aircraft submits a formal application to the relevant aviation authority. This application usually requires detailed information about the aircraft, its ownership, and the intended destination.
Verification and Due Diligence: The aviation authority conducts a thorough investigation to verify the authenticity of the application and ensure that there are no outstanding liens, encumbrances, or legal issues associated with the aircraft. This process may involve checking the aircraft’s registration history, conducting financial audits, and verifying the identity of the parties involved.
Issuance of IDERA: If the application is approved, the aviation authority issues an IDERA, which is a formal document authorizing the deregistration of the aircraft from the national registry and its export to the specified destination.
Deregistration and Export: Once the IDERA is issued, the aircraft can be deregistered from the national registry and exported to the intended country.
The IDERA serves as a crucial document that allows the aircraft to transit through international airspace and enter the foreign country.
IDERA plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the global aviation system.
By preventing fraudulent activities and ensuring that aircraft transfers are conducted legally, IDERA helps to protect the interests of aircraft owners, airlines, and governments.
It also contributes to the overall safety and security of international aviation.
