NAMA begins work on decrepit navigational systems

• NAAE president pushes for more funds 

The managing director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Engr Ahmed Umar Farouk said the management is not unaware of the deplorable state of some facilities in the navigational systems assuring that frantic efforts were being made to address them

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE) held over the weekend in Abuja, Farouk urged the engineers to come up with solutions that reposition the agency for better performance.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant Operations, Jibril Haske, Farouk noted that the theme of this year’s AGM, “The Integration of AI in CNS/ATM Systems: Economic Implications for the Aviation Industry – The Role of ATSEPs,” could not have been more timely or relevant as it captured a critical aspect of the transformation shaping global aviation and challenges us as professionals to re-position ourselves strategically in this new era.

The NAMA MD outlined some of the achievements made so far to reposition NAMA to include, training and capacity development with extensive training programmes for all categories of staff, including members of NAAE to ensure that the workforce remained at the forefront of global aviation trends, particularly in the rapidly evolving CNS/ATM space.

On infrastructure, the NAMA boss said they have undertaken the renovation and reconstruction of several NAMA buildings and offices across various stations while staff promotion and welfare were released which cut across all directorates.

He said implementation of the new condition of service was implemented nearly a decade of needless delays, bickering and controversy

“We have completed the rehabilitation of 12 control towers across the country, ensuring improved service delivery and operational efficiency. Procurement and Installation of CNS/ATM Equipment. To enhance safety and efficiency, we have procured and installed Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at various airports nationwide”

Farouk commended the  Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development for his encouragement and guidance which have been instrumental in driving efforts to transform the Nigerian Airspace.

Farouk noted that the role of Artificial Intelligence in aviation transformation was revolutionizing industries worldwide, adding that the aviation sector was no exception adding that in Communication and navigation.

He noted that AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance safety, efficiency and cost effectiveness in surveillance and Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems.

“This brings us to the critical role of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs). As custodians of CNS/ATM systems, ATSEPs are at the core of this transformation. Your expertise ensures the integrity, reliability, and safety of the technologies that keep our skies safe. The integration of AI will further demand even more from you ”

He commended the leadership of NAAE for their dedication and vision in organizing this important event.

In his welcome address, the President of NAAE,  Selzing Miri reminded the air traffic engineers of their vital role in the transformation of the aviation industry through the provision of their services as experts responsible for maintaining, repairing, and upgrading the complex electronic systems that underpin the air traffic management.

Miri noted that their expertise and dedication were essential in ensuring the seamless integration of emerging technologies such as AI into the systems while upholding the highest standards of safety and reliability.

He said the theme – the integration of Artificial Intelligence in Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems and the economic implications for our aviation industry, with a particular focus on the crucial role played by Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs), was selected.

Miri however called on the federal government to provide more funds for aviation agencies to meet up with the emerging technologies as the 50 per cent IGR deduction was negatively affecting the performance of agencies in terms of facility upgrade and purchase

He urged the government to consider its stands on policies that were not developmental in the industry adding, that there was no trial and error in engineering and called for more training and retraining of the officers of NAAE to develop the skills embedded in them

“As we delve into this fascinating and rapidly evolving field, we must acknowledge the challenges that we currently face as a result of the economic situation in our country. The aviation industry, like many sectors, has not been immune to the economic hardships we are experiencing. The rising costs, budget constraints, and limited resources have put a strain on our ability to innovate and modernize our CNS/ATM systems effectively”.

He urged them in the face of these challenges, to embrace new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to optimize their operations, enhance safety, and improve efficiency adding that the integration of AI in CNS/ATM systems holds immense potential to revolutionize how we manage air traffic, predict and prevent potential safety hazards, and streamline our processes.

“Let us collaborate, innovate, and adapt to the changing landscape of aviation. Let us work together to overcome the economic challenges we face, leverage the power of AI in revolutionizing our CNS/ATM systems, and position our industry for sustainable growth and success”

Wole Shadare