Nigeria is stepping into the future of security by joining the growing global league of nations that employ drone surveillance systems. This time, the eye in the sky will be deployed towards safeguarding an area that has long been a point of concern for the country: oil installation protection. This ambitious plan was unveiled by the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ade Abolurin, during an interview with [Guardian Nigeria](http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/06/nscdc-to-deploy-drones-aircraft-for-surveillance-to-monitor-oil-installations/).
The strategy involves commissioning about 500 drones for this purpose, strengthening oil installation security should this plan see the light of day. The NSCDC has received commendations from various administrations in Nigeria for its effective strategies, with this one promising to uphold the trend.
Since President Buhari was sworn in on May 29, there have been whispers of fears that certain elements could target oil installations across the country. While these claims remain unproven, the NSCDC’s proactive measure could be seen as an attempt to preempt any potential sabotage.
However, the implementation of the project is not without challenges. Everything from technical difficulties to logistical issues could crop up. But these hurdles can be overcome through well-planned budgeting and focused training of officers.
[Caption: Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr Ade Abolurin]
To highlight the cost implication for such an endeavor, a [July 2014 Wall Street Journal article](http://www.wsj.com/articles/theres-no-flying-in-drone-school-1406311856), referenced a four-year drone course at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in Daytona Beach, Florida, to cost about $175,000 (approximately 34m Naira). Considering that in 2012, the NSCDC had a budget of about $290m (approx. 57b Naira) for salaries and projects, a precise budget for this operation would have to be set up to cater to the costs of training and logistics, especially given that drone prices continue to fall.
Drone usage spans from delivery to warfare, and in an era where drone technology is increasingly accessible, it is essential to implement proper regulation. Aviation ministry agencies like the NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) should carefully regulate drones. Recent events in the United States, such as a man who [accidentally landed a drone on the White House lawn](http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/14/politics/white-house-drone-arrest/), have sparked debates about the necessity for regulation.
Discussions about how drones are operated within the legal framework are just as important as technical and logistic preparations. Nigeria’s move is a bold step towards embracing technology for enhanced security, but the successful execution of this plan calls for a thorough study and diligent implementation.
Image Credit: Punch Nigeria
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Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.
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