FG considers use of drones for air safety navigation checks in Nigeria

The Federal Government on Thursday welcomed the deployment of drones for air safety navigation checks in Nigeria.

Speaking at a workshop on NAVAID DRONE: Advancement in Air Navigation and Safety in Abuja, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said, “It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you all to today’s workshop and demonstration on the importance of air navigation and safety, and the groundbreaking role of NavAid drone technology in shaping the future of aerospace development.

“Air navigation and safety have always been the cornerstone of the aviation industry. As air traffic continues to grow, the need for innovative, efficient, and reliable solutions has never been more critical.

“Today, we stand at the forefront of a new era in aerospace, where cutting-edge technologies like the NavAid drones are revolutionizing how we approach air navigation, safety, and operational efficiency.”

Represented by Mr. Chukwu Michael, the Director of Safety in the Aviation Ministry, Keyamo explained, “This workshop is designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in air navigation and how the integration of advanced drone technology is transforming the industry.

“The NavAid drones represent the new frontier in aerospace tools that not only enhance safety but also streamline operations, reduce costs, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

“Throughout today’s session, you will have the opportunity to explore the critical role of air navigation and safety in modern aviation,” he stated.

The Minister urged experts in the aviation industry to discuss how the technology can be applied in real-world scenarios.

He said the adoption of advanced navigation and air safety technologies aligns with several priority areas under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in Nigeria.

“These priorities typically focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, security, and technological advancement.”

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Keyamo commended the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and its partners, LIVIASOFT and COLIBREX, for their vision and leadership in convening the groundbreaking event.

In his address, the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, noted that air navigation and safety are the cornerstones of a robust and reliable aviation sector.

“As Nigeria continues to experience rapid growth in air traffic, urbanization, and economic development, the need for efficient, safe, and sustainable air navigation systems has never been more critical.

“The safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft, as well as the seamless operation of our airspace, is paramount to maintaining Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s aviation industry.”

Represented by Mr. John Tayo, the Director of Air Traffic, the MD explained, “In this era of technological advancement, traditional methods of air navigation and safety management are being complemented—and in some cases, replaced—by innovative solutions that offer greater precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

“One such innovation is the NavAid drone, a cutting-edge technology that is revolutionizing the aerospace ecosystem.

“By leveraging this technology, Nigeria can address key challenges in its aviation sector, including improved safety, enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and capacity building.”

On his part, the Managing Director of LiviaSoft, a partner company in the project, Dr. Bobga Danjuma, said technology is changing the way many things are done, particularly in the aviation sector.

“We need to be able to deploy NavAid and provide that baseline so that we can navigate our airports and runways without relying on aircraft all the time.

“So, what is happening here with this workshop, as you see, is that the navigational aspect of using drones for navigation is cheaper,” he stated.

It is expected that once the drones are deployed, they will carry out navigational safety checks in place of aircraft and crew members, reducing costs and minimizing risks to life and property.