Drones (UAV) in Nigeria – What No One Will Tell You
A few years ago, when I heard drones were deployed by the U.S army to some part of the world; I use to think drones were some specially trained secret agents with advanced technology. lol
Now I know better…
In 2015, the United Arab Emirate kick-started an annual international competition and award tagged “Drone for Good”.
This competition enables technology companies from all part of the world to showcase their ideas on how technologies behind civilian drones can be transformed into practical solutions to improve human lives.
At this point, you might want to know…
What Exactly is a Drone?
A drone is an aircraft which can be remotely controlled via radio signals or autonomously by onboard sensors.
A drone is formally known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Unnamed Aerial System (UAS). It can be fully controlled, semi-autonomous, or autonomous.
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YES, I WANT ACCESS TO THE EXCLUSIVE TRAINING FOR FREEDifferent models of drones have been created for different uses and capabilities. For example, Loon Copter which won the “Drone for Good” award in 2015 has aerial flight, on-water surface operation, and underwater operation capabilities.
Uses of Drones
Drones are used for a whole lot of things that one could write a book on the uses of drones. Here’s a list of few of the most important uses.
- Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
- Journalism
- Cargo Delivery
- Search and Rescue
- Law Enforcement
- Recreation
- Film Making
- Military Uses
- Scientific Research
- Disaster Relief
- Archaeology
- Farming
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is a drone?
The speed of a drone depends on several factors. It depends on the battery, size of the device, rotors, wind direction, and direction you’re moving your device.
For example, your device will be faster when you’re moving it on a straight line than when you’re moving it up a mountain.
How high can a drone fly?
The maximum height of flight depends on some factors like battery life, radio range, video range, and legal flight range.
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YES, I WANT ACCESS TO THE EXCLUSIVE TRAINING FOR FREEAs a Nigerian, you might be wondering what legal flight range means.
Well, in countries like the US, the government is working on creating laws to guide drone users; so that owners don’t invade the privacy of others.
How long can a drone fly?
You probably don’t know this, but drones don’t fly for as long as you might be imagining.
Those with small multi rotors fly for 10 – 15 minutes while those with bigger multi-rotors fly for 20 – 40 minutes or even 1 hour.
- You might also like: DJI Phantom 3 Standard Drone – Specs & Price in Nigeria
Where to Buy Cheap Drones in Nigeria
Drones can be purchased in Nigeria on Konga, a famous and trusted online store in the country.
Choose any model of your choice here and pay online or when it is delivered to your doorstep.
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YES, I WANT ACCESS TO THE EXCLUSIVE TRAINING FOR FREE- You might also like: 10 Best Camera Drones You Can Get in Nigeria Without Facing Nigerian Customs Hassles
Models and Prices of Drones in Nigeria
Below is a list of drones in Nigeria and their prices.
- Parrot Bebop Drone – ₦295,000
- DJI Phantom 3 Standard Drone – ₦280,000
- DJI Phantom 3 4K Drone – ₦375,000
- DJI Phantom 3 Advanced Drone – ₦375,000
- Typhoon Q500 4K Drone – ₦423,500
- 3 Professional RC Drone QuadCopter 2 Battery COMBO W/ GPS 4K Camera – ₦560,000
- DJI Phantom 3 Advanced with Extra Battery and Phantom Backpack – ₦715,511
- DJI Phantom 3 Professional RC Drone QuadCopter 2 Battery COMBO W/ GPS 4K Camera – ₦550,500
- DJI Phantom 4 Drone – ₦670,000
- Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter Drone+4k UHD Video+Film+Survellance Camera – ₦638,900
- Typhoon Q500 4K Pro Drone with Aluminum Case – ₦548,150
- Phantom 3 Professional Aerial Drones – ₦593,018
- Phantom 3 Drone – ₦569,000
- DJI Phantom 3 Professional with Extra Battery and Phantom Backpack – ₦995,339
- DJI – Inspire 1 V2.0 – ₦1,579,941
- DJI Inspire 1 Pro Drones – ₦1,720,000
Cheap Drones in Nigeria
- 2.4Ghz Aeroblade Drone Quadcopter – ₦15,050
- X4 -H107L- 4 Channel -2.4GHz RC Quadcopter – ₦15,050
- HT Fashion Quadcopter Drone with WIFI Camera (FPV) One key Return – ₦35,860
- Axis Gyto Remote Controlled Drone Quadcopter – JJRC JJ669 6CH 6 – ₦42,100
- Multicopter RC Drone with Quadcopter Radio Control – LH-X6 INTRUDER 6-Axis Gyro – ₦43,980
- Syma x5c Quadcopter Six Axis Flying Drone with HD Camera – ₦45,000
- Quadcopter Drone with Live Video and Automatic Return – ₦54,000
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Hi Fouad.
Are there any kind of restrictions on Multirotors in Nigeria? Do you need to get a permit? Do they need to be registered? Here in the US we have to register with the FAA. I want to send a Quad to a friend of mine and want to make sure he has everything he needs to know and have before I order it. I would hate for him to get in trouble.
Thanks,
Lenny
Hi Lenny,
As far as I know, the NCAA has put in place some regulations. According to the law, your friend would have to obtain approval from the NCAA and NSA to be able to use the drone in Nigeria.
Please visit this link for more details: http://www.ncaa.gov.ng/ncaa-issues-safety-guidelines-for-drone-operators
I know of a friend that bought and has beenflying it without a permit. So?
Hi, Iwaleye. Well, a lot of things happen. But it pays to be on the safer side.
Hi fouad, a drone was sent to me from Vienna through post office on riching Ikeja customs are saying that is contraband I don’t understand can you educate me more on this?
Hi Francis,
I’m sorry you couldn’t get your drone.
What they mean is that it is a banned item and you can’t import it. If your drone is new and you have all papers ready, I don’t think you should have any problem.
You should make further inquiry from them to know why it is contraband. Perhaps there is something more to it.
Here’s a list of prohibited items for importation. You might get some clue.
I came i to check for information about selfie drone…. Bought a small one asin $40 (Uk) sent via DHL express to me…their telling me sss not clearing it asking ncc… End user certificate…. Tax clearance and more….. Even after showing my ID as a person in the field of photography that any drone are ban…… Am still shocked and they even threaten me with arrest…. What more can i do. Tnx
Hi Dlaw,
There’s no cause for alarm. All they’re demanding for, in a nut shell, is clearance. You need to do some documentations before your drone is released.
You can work on your end user certificate here: http://euc.nsa.gov.ng/bg/home
If you’re in Lagos, you can fix the tax clearance issue here: http://www.lasg-ebs-rcm.com/ebsrcm/index-etcc.asp
Otherwise, visit the FIRS office in your location.
I believe you’ll be cleared when you get the documents they requested. It’s tedious but it’s worth it.
Goodluck!
Will I be able to fly my drone for my leisure in rural areas of Nigeria like my village? It has some local networks like AIRTEL, MTN AND GLO in some ranges.
Hi Samp,
I don’t think you should have a problem flying your drone in any rural area in Nigeria. I don’t know of any stipulated law that is against it. As long as your community leaders don’t ban you, you should enjoy your flight all day long.
please where can i buy drone parts in nigeria
Hi Max,
You can get drone parts here. But if you can’t find what you want there, you’d have to check here on Amazon.
how can I get one
You can get one by placing an order here on Konga or here on Jumia. Let me know if you face any challenge.
How can one successfully import a drone? Do the local sellers have licenses?
Buy from a reliable seller and ship it to Nigeria. What license are you talking about?
Nice one…………. i like this
really good post.
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Very nice article. Contact Aero Recon Productions – A Drone Company for all your UAV/Drone needs. Our services include retail, repairs, operations and training. For more information visit aeroreconproduction.com or call 08092284285. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@adronecompany)
Hello Fouad.
i have a Parrot Ar drone 2.0 and i crash landed it.. one of this brushless motors and the gear is
damage now. do you have spare parts for this drone?
Hello Aleem,
Sorry about your plight. Unfortunately, I don’t sell drones and I don’t sell drone parts. But you can get some spare parts for your drone here.
Thank you Fouad.
I bought a drone from the states unfortunately I left before it was delivered so the company shipped it. On getting to lagos it was confiscated by custom..I want to use it for agriculture..what must I do.
Hi Sonia,
Sorry to hear that your drone was confiscated. My friend who had a similar experience had to go to the SSS office at the airport in Lagos to sign some documents before his drone was released. I guess you just need some clearance to retrieve it. Hope this helps.
Please, can you refer me to your friend? Seems mine too is stuck at customs. It’s over 1 week since it arrived in Nigeria. Please, it’s urgent. Thank you
Hope you got your drone eventually. Please make a complaint to FCCPC Cunsumer protetion portal at http://fccpc.gov.ng
Thanks on your response to me, i was just really shaken by the so called sss at the DHL office at naco when i was be treated like a criminal for buying a $40 gadget that might help my work (photography /technology) have seen the links you gave me and downloaded the Euc guildlines but why DHL agree to accept the item at the point of posting still pussle me . This our Nigerian way with power eeh.
You’re welcome. We hope things get better.
Please make a Complaint to FCCPC http://fccpc.gov.ng Consumer Protection Portal.
Hello Fouad,
I will like to talk to you about some tech blogging. How can i reach you? If you are on skype Or Send me an email… Thanks
Thank you, Carl. You can reach me via the email address on the contact page.
Great info. Thank you Fouad for sharing this.
Hello Fouad,
Is there any electronic store in Nigeria where I can buy drone batteries?
Thank you
Phil
Hello Philip, check Jumia.
Thanks for that pieces. Pls, I need the price range/charges for drone hire service (scientific research. Events ) thanks
please were can i get training in nigeria on the use of drone for scientific research, most especially in area of aquatic plant ecology, please if there is any place i can be trained on how to use UAVs (DRONES) please i want to know. my mail enodianaosas@gmail.com
Hi Fouad
Great Post. Please could you tell people the dangers of importing their drones and getting them stuck at the customs point co DHL will never warn you that there is a possibility of the item getting Sized at destination clearance point.
I cant understand why DHL will not warn the buyers and ask for an End user certificate prior to accepting to Ship it. Disgraceful and shameful
Can i get a drone for 15knaira
I’m not sure you can get a new one for that price.
You can get one at H-medix 4th Avenue Gwarimpa , Abuja