FG urged to migrate Nigeria’s flight navigational equipment to satellite-based systems

The Federal Government has been called upon to migrate the navigation aids of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to satellite-based systems to reduce flight delays, increase safety and security in the country’s aviation sector.

Chairman of Azman Airlines, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Sarina, made this call at the 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) in Kano. Sarina emphasized that the current terrestrial-based navigation aids are becoming obsolete and that satellite-based systems are the way forward.

“The current terrestrial-based Navaids are globally becoming obsolete. It is necessary for the government to adopt proactive policies and take pragmatic steps to promote infrastructure investment, manpower development through training and re-training of Air Traffic Controller (ATC) personnel,” Sarina said.

Sarina also canvassed for the engagement of additional air traffic controllers across the country with adequate training, warning that failure to do this posed a threat to air safety due to various human factors that could arise from such a trend.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, pledged to address outdated equipment, inadequate staffing, and enhanced training opportunities. Keyamo commended the leadership of NATCA for their incredible work despite challenges.

“I am fully aware of the challenges that continue to confront your profession, including outdated equipment, inadequate staffing, and the need for enhanced training opportunities. Let me assure you that your concerns have not gone unnoticed. As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is actively implementing plans to address these issues,” Keyamo said.

NATCA President, Abayomi Agoro, highlighted the association’s achievements, including advancing over 80 Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) and engaging 33 ATCOs who were awaiting advancement for over four years.

Agoro appealed to the Federal Government to review the policy of 50 per cent deductions from NAMA’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), stating that this significantly impeded NAMA’s ability to fulfill its statutory responsibilities.

The migration to satellite-based systems is expected to improve Nigeria’s aviation industry, bringing it up to par with global standards.