The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has signed the updated NCAA Procedure for IDERA, Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation, to ensure the safety and legal transfer of aircraft ownership and export.

Speaking at the signing in Abuja, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, said it would boost confidence among aircraft financiers and lessors, adding that IDERA was an administrative solution that permits the NCAA to approve aircraft deregistration upon the owner's request.

Keyamo said the IDERA was crucial to ensuring lessors and financiers feel secure in Nigeria, noting that aircraft operators globally anticipated Nigeria's approval to safeguard investments.

He explained that lessors now have two solutions if an issue regarding aircraft arises either judicial proceedings or the administrative route.

According to him, this would address past uncertainties in judicial processes involving lessor-lessee disputes.

He further clarified that the NCAA could issue the IDERA authorisation either after a court ruling or through an administrative request, giving flexibility to aircraft owners that intend to seek swift resolution if disputes arise.

Keyamo said: "We signed the practice direction guiding the court on interpreting the Cape Town Convention and its protocols."

On his part, acting Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, who spoke on the impact of IDERA, explained that it would empower registered owners to request Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Authorisation over eligible aircraft.