Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority is expected to issue new regulations governing business and private aviation that, for the first time, are separate from those covering commercial air transport. Pending introduction of the new policy, which could be issued within two or three months, the government has temporarily suspended the importation of business aircraft.

Segun Demuren, managing director and CEO of Lagos FBO Evergreen Apple Nigeria, said at this week’s Business Airport World Expo conference in the UK that he hopes the new rules will provide incentives for Nigerians to register their aircraft in the country. The majority of Nigerian-owned aircraft are currently registered overseas, largely due to the requirements of banks and insurance companies, but also to make it easier for them to be operated in other jurisdictions, such as the European Union. Between 150 and 200 business jets are believed to be based in Nigeria, a big increase since 2003 when there were only around 20.

Meanwhile, Evergreen Apple Nigeria is preparing to host the first Nigerian Business Aviation Conference in Lagos on May 7. The event is expected to draw up to 200 local wealthy individuals, as well as industry representatives. For more information about the conference, e-mail Adedayo Olawuyi at Evergreen Apple Nigeria.