The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Monday unveiled Go-Live phase of the EMPIC Personnel Licensing (PEL) and Medical Certification(MED) System, a landmark digital solution that positions the country’s industry for greater efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness.
The move, the Authority noted, was aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness, advancing safety oversight, and enabling operational excellence across the industry.
The Director General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo said the Go-Live signified the successful completion of system deployment, configuration, testing, and stakeholder readiness activities.
He stated that it marked the availability of the EMPIC PEL/MED platform for controlled use, familiarisation, and final transition activities.
Najomo noted: “However, I wish to clearly state that the full operationalisation 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 operationalisation 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 Finalisation of AAMEs onboarding process.
“Parallel run and transition arrangements will be applied where necessary; and Operational guidelines and notices will be issued by the Authority Upon operationalisation on April 2nd, 2026, EMPIC PEL/MED will become the official and mandatory platform for all applicable personnel licensing and aviation medical certification transactions, in accordance with NCAA regulations.”
Najomo, further explained that the initiative represents a significant step in the digital transformation of aviation regulation in Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s collective commitment to safety, professionalism, and global best practice.
He added: “This structured transition will ensure a smooth, transparent, and internationally aligned regulatory environment and the deployment of the EMPIC PEL/MED system a globally recognized, ICAO-aligned software for aviation regulators, is a demonstration of our commitment to adopting world-class digital tools to support Nigeria’s aviation growth.
“It represents a fundamental modernization of the way we manage licensing, medical certification, inspector oversight, data integrity, and industry compliance.
“The Authority appreciates the cooperation of airlines, aviation medical examiners, training organizations, aviation personnel, and technical partners whose engagement has been critical to reaching this milestone.
“I call on all stakeholders to actively participate in the post-Go-Live transition activities and to prepare for full adoption upon operationalization,” Najomo stated.