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NAMA Refutes Claims of Unsafe Nigerian Airspace, Cites Modernization Efforts
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Technology

NAMA Refutes Claims of Unsafe Nigerian Airspace, Cites Modernization Efforts

From Vanguard · (2d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nigeria's Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has refuted claims that the country's airspace is unsafe due to communication, navigation, and surveillance issues.
  • NAMA acknowledged that the current Eurocat C radar system is outdated but stated a modern replacement is being procured.
  • The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers' Association (NATCA) had previously expressed concerns about obsolete equipment and poor working conditions, stating they could no longer guarantee airspace safety.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has strongly refuted recent claims suggesting that the nation's airspace is unsafe. These assertions, particularly those highlighting deficiencies in communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, have been labeled as inaccurate by NAMA officials.

While acknowledging that the existing Eurocat C radar system is indeed aging, NAMA has assured the public and stakeholders that the federal government is actively in the process of acquiring a state-of-the-art replacement. This proactive measure aims to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of air traffic management within Nigeria.

In the interim, NAMA has commenced the deployment of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast, ADS-B, system as a reliable backup to the existing radar. This measure ensures continuous, real-time surveillance and guarantees the safe, orderly and efficient flow of air traffic across Nigerian airspace.

— Dr. Abdullahi MusaNAMA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, detailing interim measures to ensure airspace safety.

In addition to the radar system upgrade, NAMA highlighted its significant investments in human capacity development. Over 140 Air Traffic Controllers have undergone specialized international training in the past year, equipping them with the latest skills. Furthermore, 70 air traffic control cadets have been trained or are currently undergoing training at prestigious institutions like the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Traffic Service Training Centre. NAMA is also addressing personnel welfare concerns, including career progression and allowances, in collaboration with the supervising ministry.

In further demonstration of its commitment to safety, NAMA has continued to invest significantly in human capacity development.

— Dr. Abdullahi MusaNAMA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, highlighting the agency's focus on training personnel.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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