The Nigeria Unmanned Systems Association (NUSA), the umbrella body for licensed drone operators and other stakeholders in the country’s unmanned aviation industry, has elected Engr. Okosubide Mozimo as Chairman of its Caretaker Committee.
Mozimo’s emergence is expected to usher in a new phase for the association, with priorities including expanding its national membership, strengthening regulatory engagement and deepening the adoption of drone technology across key sectors of the economy.
At a stakeholders’ meeting and election held on October 31, 2026, Capt. Damilola Adelana was elected Vice Chairman, while Femi Adekoya emerged as Financial Secretary.
The caretaker committee succeeds the administration led by retired Air Vice Marshal Femi Idowu, who headed the association from its establishment and was credited with laying its foundation.
In a statement dated November 2, Mozimo described the transition as the beginning of a new chapter for NUSA, pledging to build on the achievements of the previous leadership and create a more inclusive platform for participants in Nigeria’s growing unmanned aviation industry.
He said the committee would focus initially on stabilising the association, bringing members and stakeholders together, updating its membership register and organising a credible elective Annual General Meeting before the end of its tenure.
According to him, the membership revalidation exercise would establish an accurate record of members, while the planned AGM would provide an opportunity for them to elect substantive leaders.
Expanding NUSA’s membership across the country is another major priority. Mozimo said the committee would seek to attract more national agencies, drone operators and other industry participants to strengthen the association’s national representation.
The leadership also plans to prioritise regulatory engagement, professional standards and capacity development to support the orderly growth of the sector.
Mozimo said NUSA would pursue closer cooperation with government agencies, oil and gas companies and agricultural operators to expand the use of unmanned systems across different areas of the economy.
The initiative is expected to strengthen links between the association and industries where drone technology can improve operational efficiency, address business challenges and provide practical solutions.
The chairman thanked members for the confidence reposed in the caretaker committee and acknowledged Idowu’s contributions, describing his service as an important foundation for the new leadership.
He called on members, industry stakeholders and regulators to support the committee’s efforts to build a safer, more professional and commercially viable unmanned aviation industry in Nigeria.
Mozimo is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer with a master’s degree in project management and an MBA from Robert Kennedy College, University of Cumbria, Switzerland.
He is Managing Director of ARCO Worldwide Services Limited, a major commercial drone operator in Nigeria certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). He also led the establishment of ARCO Aviation Academy, described as the country’s first NCAA-approved drone pilot training academy.
Adelana, the new Vice Chairman, is a former offshore helicopter pilot with Bristow Helicopters Nigeria and Nigeria’s first NCAA Designated Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Inspector.
He is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of U.F.O. Aerials Services Limited and has contributed to the development of regulations governing remotely piloted aircraft operations in Nigeria.
Adekoya, popularly known as ‘The Flyingfarmer’, is a two-time Commonwealth Scholar and Founder and Managing Director of agritech company Integrated Aerial Precision (IAPrecision). He also represents Nigeria at the International Society of Precision Agriculture.
The caretaker committee brings together experience in engineering, aviation regulation, commercial drone operations and agricultural technology as NUSA seeks to strengthen its role in the development of Nigeria’s unmanned aviation industry.
