NAMA needs special funding to tackle decrepit navigational facilities

• ·         Over N40 billion Presidential intervention fund secured
• ·         Aviation to contribute to $1 trillion projected economy

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo on Sunday said the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) would need special funding to tackle many of the navigational facilities.

This is coming as the Minister said that the aviation industry would contribute significantly to ensure that the aviation industry contributes to the planned $1 trillion targeted economy by President Bola Tinubu.

Although the Minister who spoke on national television did not disclose how much money the agency would need to fix decrepit facilities, there are indications that the agency would need over N40 billion for the exercise.

The Minister early this year facilitated N40 billion presidential intervention fund for the completion of the Aeronautical Information System (AIS), and the upgrading of navigational aids, surveillance and communication facilities.

Describing the country’s airspace as one of the safest in the world, Keyamo noted that what the country has at the moment is still very good for surveillance of the airspace but noted that they were already providing upgrades to the facilities.

His words, “We need a special intervention fund to tackle the navigational system that we met on the ground. Over the years we have not had an upgrade of some of the facilities. We are doing that now. That does not mean that our airspace is not safe. Nigeria has one of the safest airspace in the world”.

“Many of the equipment needs an upgrade or replacement. What has happened is that the average lifespan of some of these equipment is between 15 and 20 years. Most of them have been working for more than 20 years.

‘I commend air traffic controllers who continue to ensure safe skies despite operating with obsolete equipment. We are upgrading the navigational system to meet current industry standards”.

The Minister said he was waiting for the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the direction he wants to go with a new national carrier, describing the one midwife by a former Minister of Aviation as a sham.

He however stated that while he waits for President Tinubu’s decision on that, he said the primary aim of the administration is to support local airlines to grow and expand.

He disclosed that the judiciary stopped the Nigeria Air project, adding that it was a wool pulled over the faces of Nigeria saying the last administration just painted an aircraft belonging to Ethiopian Airlines as an airline for Nigeria.

“We will not accept a situation where some people want to take the wealth of this country to another country. That was not a national carrier. At the moment, we are supporting our airlines to be stronger and prosperous”.

Asked if he was able to secure a slot for Air Peace to Heathrow, Keyamo said it is a diplomatic issue that is being resolved at a diplomatic level,

‘I am sure you are aware that they have written to us and we are looking at it and working out the next move. You will hear from us on the matter.

 The United Kingdom Department for Transport had last month told Air Peace Airlines that it is not responsible for slots at busy airports like Heathrow Airport. This may have jeopardized the airline’s struggle to force the UK government to provide it with slots at London Heathrow Airport.

The government has however told the Nigerian flag carrier to apply like any other carrier wishing to operate at the biggest UK aerodrome to Airports Coordinator Limited (ACL), the independent slot coordinator for slot allocation at the London Heathrow Airport.

A document dated September 5, 2024, signed by Rt. Hon Louise Haigh, Secretary of State For Transport, UK, to  Keyamo, with the reference number: MC/00019854 maintained that the department was not in charge of slot allocation to foreign airlines.

In a bid to ensure that the major airports of the country deliver on service delivery, the Minister stated that he was forced to soon appoint Special Airport Marshals akin to Federal Road Safety Marshals.

The marshals he reiterated are expected to conduct unscheduled visits to the airports, monitor staff conduct, and assess the general hygiene and conditions of the airports.

The marshals he further explained are expected to be residents in cities where airports are located and would be appointed by the Minister in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The marshals would comprise individuals from the fourth estate of the realm, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and representatives of State Governors.

“These key decisions are aimed at improving service delivery and environmental conditions at these facilities. In this regard, the Minister has approved the appointment of voluntary Special Airport Marshals. The Minister, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals who are residents in cities where airports are located.

“These Marshals, comprising public-spirited individuals drawn from members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and representatives of State Governors, will conduct unscheduled visits to the airports. Their role will be to monitor staff conduct and assess the general hygiene and conditions of the airports.

“The voluntary Special Airport Marshals shall report directly to me and will issue necessary directives to FAAN based on their findings.”

Wole Shadare