Aviation Authority Links National ID Number To Pilots’ Licensing, Medical Certification

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has unveiled the Go-Live phase of the EMPIC Personnel Licensing (PEL) and Medical Certification (MED), which would be linked with the National Identity Number (NIN).

The initiative is a landmark digital solution that positions the country’s industry for greater efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness.

The director general, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo in his address at the EMPIC PEL/MED Go-Live Stakeholder Engagement with Nigerian Aviation Ecosystem, in Abuja on Monday, said that “Today’s Go-Live signifies the successful completion of system deployment, configuration, testing, and stakeholder readiness activities.”

He stated the initiative will strengthening regulatory effectiveness, advancing safety oversight, and enabling operational excellence across the industry.

The NCAA boss further stated that the newly introduced digital solutions will fully take effect on April 2, 2025 so that stakeholders will be fully prepared for the new phase.

According to him, “I wish to clearly state that the full operationalization of EMPIC PEL/MED will take place on the 2nd of April, 2026.

“This phased approach is deliberate, and necessary to ensure system stability, stakeholder preparedness, data integrity, and regulatory continuity. Between now and the formal operationalization date, the following activities will take place: the Authority will complete final data validation and migration activities Stakeholders will undergo continued onboarding and user support, among other preparations .”

Speaking on the advantages of the new platform, Captain Najomo said “The EMPIC platform ensures we are ready for this future and serves as the foundation for Interoperability with other NCAA digital platforms, Integration with the national identity number (NIN) verification, Integration with digital payment systems.

“This is part of our broader vision to create a modern aviation environment that is competitive, efficient, and compliant with global best practices.”

While calling for support from the stakeholders, he said “the success of this transformation depends not only on technology, but on the cooperation and commitment of every stakeholder represented here today”.