Ageing Radar Coverage System Threatens Nigeria’s Airspace Safety – NAMA

Nigeria’s airspace safety is facing increasing risk as the country’s radar coverage infrastructure continues to deteriorate, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has warned.

The managing director of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, who made these remarks while briefing the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Adam Kambari, during a familiarisation visit to NAMA headquarters in Abuja, said the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, once a critical backbone for airspace surveillance, is now obsolete, raising concerns about the sustainability of air navigation services across the country.

According to him, the agency is struggling to maintain the system due to the unavailability of spare parts and the outdated technology, which has been phased out globally.

He explained that while such high-tech systems typically have a lifespan of about 10 years, Nigeria’s TRACON, deployed between 2008 and 2010, began losing relevance as early as 2014 when countries started transitioning to more advanced surveillance technologies.

“Our area of urgent attention includes the ATS surveillance service. The TRACON system has aged, and its components are becoming obsolete, with no spare parts available. Most parts are working without backup. The airspace is at the risk of losing surveillance service,” he said.

The TRACON project, a multibillion-naira initiative commissioned in 2010, was designed to enhance aviation safety by providing comprehensive radar coverage across Nigeria. It comprises nine radar sites operated by NAMA in partnership with Thales of France, integrating Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) and Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) to track and identify aircraft in real time.

However, Umar warned that maintaining compliance with global aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) could become increasingly difficult if urgent upgrades are not undertaken.

Beyond the ageing radar infrastructure, the NAMA boss highlighted several operational and financial challenges facing the agency.

These include inadequate budgetary allocations for safety-critical projects, rising operational costs driven by exchange rate pressures, and a 30 per cent federal government deduction from the agency’s internally generated revenue.

He also cited manpower shortages, limited training opportunities due to funding constraints, and mounting debts owed by airlines and state-owned airports as major impediments to efficient service delivery.

Umar further noted that NAMA has continued to charge N11,000 per aircraft for flight operations since 2008, despite inflation and rising maintenance costs.

“N11,000 is no longer realistic, yet the airport must remain serviceable. We must sustain our equipment, and we spend heavily on fuel,” he said, referring to the high cost of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) required to power operations.

In his response, Kambari reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting its agencies, describing them as vital to achieving national aviation goals.

He stressed the importance of collaboration, staff welfare, and operational efficiency in strengthening the sector.

The permanent secretary also called for the reinstatement of regular high-level management meetings involving the minister, ministry officials, and heads of aviation agencies to address pressing challenges and develop sustainable solutions.

He assured NAMA of his readiness to support its mandate and commended Umar’s leadership, describing him as instrumental to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Kambari added that the ministry remains committed to aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with ICAO standards, noting that while the country’s current rating is satisfactory, agencies must intensify efforts to improve performance in future assessments.

He urged aviation personnel to remain dedicated and supportive of their leadership, emphasizing that a motivated workforce is essential to ensuring safety and efficiency in Nigeria’s airspace.