The House of Representatives, on Thursday, underscored the need for Federal Government through regulatory agencies to ensure effective total Radar coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) in the bid to avert air mishap.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon Ahmed Munir who expressed grave concern over the prolonged malfunctioning of total radar coverage of the country.
The lawmaker who underscored the importance of TRACON which aids Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) in the radar scope to improve safety in the airspace, argued that without TRACON, Air Traffic Controllers are unable to access the image of aircraft and may resort to manual procedures which could be inaccurate, thereby increasing the likelihood of near misses or collisions of aircraft.
“The House also notes that TRACON became operational in 2010 with five years support service agreement and an unlimited supply of spares with Thales Company, but was discontinued in 2015 by the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
“The House is concerned that since the termination of the contract with Thales in 2015, TRACON has been functioning without an upgrade and their equipment have been degenerating as they have not been undergoing needed maintenance.
“The House is also concerned that presently, the radar system operates without a back–up, and if it breaks down, Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) would resort to manual procedures which put pilots and passengers as well as other unsuspecting persons in grave danger.
“The House is informed that the Director of Electronics and Engineering Services of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), recently raised concerns over the safety of Nigeria’s airspace which he claimed lacked proper maintenance, resulting in degradation of TRACON which plays a significant role in airspace safety.
“The House is cognizant that the President of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has cautioned that, owing to poor maintenance and lack of spare parts, TRACON has become flawed in its functionalities thereby endangering flight operations in the country.”
Worried by the development, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to ensure prompt upgrade of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria equipment.
To this end, the House mandated the Committee on Aviation, chaired by Hon Nnolim Nnaji to ensure compliance.
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