Nigeria’s airspace at risk of losing surveillance services over obsolete radar, others

• 30% IGR deduction impeding agency meeting critical obligations
• We are blackmailed over planned raise in charges

The situation regarding Nigeria’s Total Radar Coverage (TRACON) has reached a critical juncture.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Umar Farouk Ahmed, highlighted the severe risks posed by the ageing infrastructure, warning that the nation’s airspace could lose essential surveillance services if urgent modernisation is not completed.

Much of the TRACON equipment, originally commissioned around 2012, is now well beyond its typical electronic lifespan (10 years). Many components have been in operation for 15–20 years.

A significant bottleneck has been the lack of spare parts. Reports indicate that NAMA has struggled to secure spares since 2014, partly due to the original manufacturer (Thales) being unable or unwilling to supply parts for the aging system.

While the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the modernisation of TRACON, the pace of replacement has been hampered by funding delays.

This could pose immediate risks to airspace, create surveillance blind spots if the system fails, and leave air traffic controllers without the eyes that allow them to see aircraft positions in real-time.

This would force a shift to manual “procedural” control, which is less efficient and increases the risk of human error.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) recently warned that the combination of obsolete equipment and heavy workloads has pushed personnel to the breaking point, directly threatening flight security.

Farouk, an aeronautical engineer, explained that the lifespan of such important high-tech equipment is usually 10 years, but added that since 2014, the TRACON equipment has been going out of fashion as countries around the world have migrated to more advanced technology.

He emphasised that providing air navigation services in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements could be challenging unless urgent steps are taken to upgrade the TRACON.

The existing radar system comprises nine radar sites maintained by NAMA in partnership with Thales of France, designed to track and identify aircraft in real time by combining Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) and Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) to monitor, identify, and control air traffic, enhancing safety.

Briefing the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Adam Kambari, who paid a familiarisation visit to his office in Abuja, the NAMA MD outlined the agency’s challenges, ongoing projects, and planned projects.

He said, “Our area of urgent attention includes the ATS surveillance service. The TRACON System has aged (deployment started in 2008; completed in 2010). The Components are becoming obsolete with no spare parts. Most parts are working without backup. The airspace is at risk of losing surveillance service.”

The NAMA boss listed some of the challenges faced by the agency, including the lack of federal government budgetary provisions for safety-critical projects, high operational cost due to the value of the naira, 30% federal government deduction from NAMA’s internally generated revenue (IGR), which he said is impeding NAMA from meeting its critical obligations.

Others are inadequate operational and technical manpower to cope with the increasing demand for air navigation services, inadequate training for operational and technical personnel due to a paucity of funds, and a high level of indebtedness among airlines and state airports.

He said, “Since 2008, we have been charging the same amount of N11,000 per aircraft for each flight operation, yet we are met with blackmail each time we want to increase the charges. N11, 000 is no longer realistic, yet the airport must remain serviceable.

We must sustain our equipment, and we spend a huge amount of our funds on Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).” He lamented.

Speaking during the visits, Kambari reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with its agencies, describing them as critical partners in achieving national aviation objectives.

He assured NAMA of his readiness to support their mandates and promote a unified approach to sectoral development.

The Perm Sec underscored the importance of reinstating regular top-management meetings involving the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry Directors, and heads of aviation agencies, noting that such engagements would serve as a strategic platform to address sectoral challenges and advance sustainable solutions.

He emphasised that his administration would prioritise collaboration, staff welfare, and operational safety, stressing that a motivated workforce is essential for optimal performance. He also called for timely staff promotions across agencies to prevent stagnation and boost morale.

“We will continue to support all agencies to succeed, ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation industry remains a key economic driver and a hub of global connectivity,” he stated.

He further urged staff across the agencies to remain dedicated, loyal, and supportive of their leadership in order to achieve organisational mandates effectively.

Kambari commended the Managing Director of NAMA,  Farouk Ahmed Umar, describing him as a seasoned professional whose leadership is vital to the sector’s growth.

He reiterated the commitment of the Minister to aligning Nigeria’s aviation industry with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

While expressing satisfaction with Nigeria’s current ICAO rating, Kambari charged the agencies to intensify efforts towards improved performance in subsequent evaluation cycles.

Wole Shadare