Africa Surveyors May-June issue 2023 digital

OPINION
WHAT IS A DRONE?
A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or aircraft that can
be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using GPS technology
and sensors. It typically contains a camera or other sensors that
capture data for various applications and can have a range of shapes
and sizes. Drones are commonly used in many fields, including
photography, delivery services, emergency response, surveillance,
agriculture, and journalism.
IMPACT OF DRONES FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES
Drones were originally developed for the military and aerospace
industries, but recently, drones have found their way into the
mainstream because of the enhanced levels of safety and efficiency
they bring. These robotic UAVs operate without a pilot on board and
with different levels of autonomy and because a drone’s autonomy
level can range from being remotely piloted (a human controls its
movements) to advanced autonomy.
In the wake of drones being able to be controlled remotely and
can be flown at varying distances and heights, they make perfect
candidates to take on commercial jobs, which the implications clearly
have a positive impact on businesses and consumers. Consumers
directly benefit from job creation, resulting in additional earnings.
Commercial drones will also allow industries to realize savings from
cost-effective means of inventory, transportation, and distribution.
These cost savings can be passed down to the consumer through a
reduction in prices.
Because drones can be controlled remotely and can be flown at
varying distances, they make perfect candidates to take on some
of the toughest jobs in the world. They can be found assisting in a
search for survivors after a hurricane, giving law enforcement and the
military an eye in the sky during terrorist situations and advancing
scientific research in some of the most extreme climates on the
planet.
THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF USING A DRONE FOR COMMERCIAL
SERVICES IN NIGERIA.
1. Permits and regulations: Commercial drone operators must
obtain permits and follow the regulations set by the Nigerian Civil
Aviation Authority (NCAA).
2. Restricted airspace: Certain airspace in Nigeria may be restricted,
and drones should not fly in these areas. This includes restricted
areas around airports or other government facilities.
3. Privacy laws: Drones equipped with cameras can infringe on
privacy laws. Therefore, they should not be used to take pictures of
people or property without consent.
4. Liability: Drone operators are responsible for any accidents or
damage caused by the drone, so adequate insurance coverage must
be in place.
5. Data protection: Drones used for commercial activities typically
collect data, and this data must be handled in accordance with data
protection laws.
6. Intellectual property rights: Drones must not infringe on any
intellectual property rights such as trademarks, copyrights, or patents.
7. National security: Drones should not be used in any way that
could compromise national security. There is a need to control the
manufacture, sale, and use of drones accordingly.
8. Workforce regulations: There may be regulations regarding the
use of drones, prohibiting any form of exploitation of workers that
operate such devices.
9. Consumer protection: Drones must comply with consumer
protection regulations, such as warranties and return policies.
10. Environmental regulations: Drones can have an impact on the
environment, and regulations must be put in place to minimize the
negative impact. Drones should not cause soil erosion, uncontrolled
emissions, or disturbance of wildlife habitats.
THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF USING A DRONE FOR COMMERCIAL
SERVICES IN NIGERIA
1. Invasion of privacy: Drones with cameras can be intrusive and
could violate an individual’s right to privacy.
2. Weaponization: There is a risk of drones being weaponized, which
could be used illegally and pose a major threat to public safety and
national security.
3. Social and cultural impact: The use of drones for commercial
activities may change the way people work and interact with
each other, leading to social and cultural impacts that may not be
immediately apparent.
4. Noise pollution: Drones can generate a significant amount of
noise, creating a potential nuisance to people in the vicinity.
5. Safety concerns: Drones used for commercial activities may pose
a risk to the safety of the public, especially in crowded areas. There’s
also a risk of accidents associated with drone collisions.
6. Environmental impact: Drones can cause environmental damage,
including noise pollution, soil erosion, and disturbance of wildlife
habitats.
7. Responsible use: The use of drones for commercial activities must
be responsible, considering the potential impact on people, property,
and the environment.
8. Liability: Drone operators must be liable for any accidents,
damage, or injuries that occurred while operating the drone.
Therefore, adequate insurance should be put in place.
9. Job displacement: The widespread use of drones for commercial
activities may result in job displacement, leading to a loss of
employment for those who would have been employed to carry out
these tasks.
10. Accountability: Ethical and moral issues will arise with the
use of drones for commercial activities. There is a need to ensure
accountability for their use to avoid negative consequences.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the use of drones in Nigeria has several legal and
ethical implications that must be considered in order to ensure the
proper and safe use of these devices. Drone operators must obtain
the necessary permits and licenses and adhere to regulations set
by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. They must also respect
privacy laws, ensure liability protection, and consider ethical issues
such as safety concerns, noise pollution, environmental impact, and
invasion of privacy. By taking these considerations into account, the
use of drones in Nigeria can be both beneficial and ethically sound.
It is important to balance the potential benefits of drones with the
responsibility of using them in a manner that is safe, secure, and
respectful of the rights and privacy of individuals.
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May-June issue l 2023 17