Nigeria Moves To Boost Air Surveillance, Security, Says Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to boost air surveillance and security across the country.

Badaru stated this during a visit alongside the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to Spain on how to advance Nigeria’s airspace.

A statement by the Director of Information, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, said the three-day visit to Indra in Spain aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s air surveillance and security capabilities through cutting-edge dual-use technology.

He added that the visit further aims to enhance Nigeria’s air surveillance capabilities, ensuring the safety of its airspace and borders.

Indra, a world-leading technology and consulting company, is the technological partner for the core business operations of its customers worldwide.

The delegation, according to the statement, was received by Indra CEO, Jose Vicente de los Mozos, and senior executives, including Javier Ruano, VP of ATM, Luis Permuy, VP of International Sales, Emeric Osmont, Director of West Africa, Sergio Sanchez, Director for Institutional Relationships, and General (Rtd) Francisco Almerich, former Chief of Air Defence Command Centre, Spanish Airforce.

During the visit, the delegation toured Indra’s headquarters, Simulator Factory, and Academy, inspecting the latest security and safety equipment, including the Indra Defence facility. The itinerary featured a welcome and introductory speech by the CEO of Indra, followed by detailed presentations on the latest Air Traffic Control System (ACC APP TWR) Demo, Dual Project Scope Definition, Voice Communications System Demo, and a demonstration of Radar and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS).

The Nigerian delegation comprised high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, chairman, Senate Committee On Aviation, Abdullahi Idris Garba, chairman, House Committee On Aviation, and Air Marshall Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.

The strategic visit demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing its air surveillance and security capabilities, aligning with global best practices. The collaboration with Indra is expected to yield significant benefits, including enhanced air safety, improved border security, and strengthened defence capabilities.