Fresh concerns are mounting in Nigeria’s aviation sector as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) warns that the country could soon struggle to effectively monitor aircraft due to ageing radar infrastructure.
At the centre of the crisis is the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, long regarded as the backbone of the nation’s air traffic surveillance.
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Managing Director of NAMA, Farouk Umar, described the system as “terrible,” noting that many of its components have become obsolete, with little to no backup available.
According to him, the decades-old system is nearing total failure. Originally commissioned in 2001 and fully deployed by 2010, TRACON has exceeded its expected lifespan of about 10 years, with much of its technology now outdated globally.
Umar warned that the implications are serious. Without reliable radar coverage, maintaining safe distances between aircraft becomes more difficult, increasing safety risks.
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He also noted that Nigeria may struggle to meet international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization if urgent upgrades are not made.
Beyond technical issues, NAMA is grappling with financial constraints. Umar revealed that a 30% Federal Government deduction from the agency’s internally generated revenue is limiting its ability to maintain and upgrade critical systems. Rising operational costs, especially fuel for power generation, have further worsened the situation.
He added that the agency still charges airlines N11,000 per flight, a rate unchanged since 2008, which is no longer sustainable amid inflation and rising costs. Efforts to review the charge have reportedly faced resistance.
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The agency is also dealing with manpower shortages, limited staff training, and growing debts owed by airlines and state-owned airports, all of which threaten its operational stability.
Responding to the concerns, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Kambari, acknowledged the urgency and pledged government support.
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