Why we are investing in navigational tools, says, NAMA MD

In a bid to ensure seamlessness in air navigation in the country, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said it has committed enormous to the provision of necessary facilities especially in the areas of communication, navigational and surveillance equipment,

To date, the Federal Government has invested over $6 million on provision of Instrument Landing System (ILS) installed at some of the nation’s airports will amount to a waste if domestic airlines do not have the requisite facilities on-board their aircraft to allow for them to land in inclement weather.

Some of the ILS are Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and VHF omnidirectional range (VOR). The DME is a navigation beacon, usually coupled to enable aircraft to measure their position relative to that beacon. Aircraft send out signal, which is sent back after a fixed delay by the DME.

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The Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu stated that management’s policy on capacity building has precipitated the training of different categories of critical staff to effectively man these sophisticated technologies.

 Akinkuotu who said there is ample evidence that NAMA is moving forward however enjoined staff to rally round the administration in its quest to take the agency to the next level by showing more dedication and commitment to their duties.

He assured airlines and other airspace users of the determination of the agency to work assiduously towards building upon the current safety profile of the nation’s airspace.

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Akinkuotu who made these remarks in a statement to mark his first anniversary as Managing Director/Chief Executive of NAMA said the focus of his administration going forward is to continue to propel the agency to “provide our customers and clients with the best possible service at all times, making sure that flights depart and land safely even in adverse weather conditions.

He stated that in doing so, NAMA solicits the synergy and cooperation of all stakeholders in the aviation sector to succeed.

The NAMA boss said despite several challenges the agency faced in the past year, it also recorded remarkable achievements and significant progress in certain critical areas such as the replacement of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) in two strategic airports in the country.

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He listed other achievements to include increase in staff trainings and improvement in staff welfare.

“Many of our colleagues received their long awaited promotions across the line all the way to General Manager Grade level, and it was particularly pleasing to see three of our very own elevated to the esteemed position of substantive directors in the agency,” Akinkuotu said.

Wole Shadare