BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has acquired new surveillance equipment and is planning a major upgrade of its radar systems as part of efforts to improve air safety and strengthen flight monitoring across the country.
The agency also said it was working with the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) to address persistent problems with its communication equipment.
Managing Director of NAMA, Ahmed Umar Farouk, disclosed this in an address delivered by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Tayo John, at the 55th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) in Lagos on Tuesday.
The AGM was held under the theme, “Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Nigerian Air Traffic Management”.
Farouk said the agency had acquired Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment to improve its ability to monitor aircraft, strengthen controllers’ awareness of air traffic movements and make airspace management safer and more efficient.
He acknowledged that some of the existing radar facilities required major upgrades to meet current operational demands, adding that the planned overhaul would provide a more reliable and modern surveillance network.
On communication infrastructure, he said NAMA was engaging ASECNA for technical assistance to resolve some of the challenges affecting the availability and reliability of its communication equipment.
The NAMA boss also announced the commencement of the first phase of an overseas training programme for staff, aimed at exposing them to international best practices, modern operating procedures and new developments in air traffic management.
He said the programme would be implemented in phases to give more personnel opportunities for international training and professional development.
On workers’ welfare, Farouk said NAMA had implemented the Post-Licence Allowance to replace the existing Post-Ratings Allowance arrangement, in recognition of the professional responsibilities attached to air traffic controllers’ licences.
He also disclosed that management had approved an increase in the medical allowance for licensed air traffic controllers, effective January 2027.
According to him, the review of the agency’s Conditions of Service is at an advanced stage and is expected to address outstanding welfare and entitlement issues.
The proposed changes include payment of the English Language Proficiency Allowance, in recognition of the importance of effective communication in international aviation operations.
Farouk further announced that NAMA had approved comprehensive insurance coverage for all its employees to provide greater protection against risks associated with their work.
He said the various initiatives were part of a broader plan to transform NAMA into a modern and internationally competitive air navigation service provider.
The managing director urged air traffic controllers to maintain professionalism, discipline and commitment to duty, while encouraging NATCA to sustain constructive engagement with the agency’s management.
He stressed that cooperation between management and workers was essential to improving the safety and efficiency of Nigerian airspace.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
