BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Director, Air Traffic Services (ATS) at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Tayo John, is pushing for the urgent acquisition of a new radar system to ensure greater safety and efficiency in Nigeria’s airspace.
While acknowledging the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the existing system, he insisted that replacing it with advanced technology remains the most viable and sustainable solution.
During a recent visit to the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) site at the Aminu Kano International Airport, John said:
“This system (the radar) is already automated, but it is obsolete. “It can still guarantee safety, but the system needs augmentation. The producer of this system, Thales, has carried out two upgrades, but Nigeria’s radar has remained unchanged.
“The government has begun modernising the system, but the ultimate solution is to acquire a new radar.”
He explained that although the current radar provides vital information on aircraft identity, altitude, direction and speed, it remains an outdated technology, coupled with infrastructural challenges like erratic power supply which hampers optimal performance.
“In terms of security, this system is indispensable. It allows us to monitor aircraft movements, including descent and ascent, which are crucial for air navigation. Without it, aircraft cannot be tracked effectively”.
“However, in Nigeria, power issues sometimes cause failures and the system is obsolete; the labels are dropping. This is why we urgently need a new radar system to ensure air navigation safety and efficiency”, John added.
During his tour, Mr. John also visited the Rescue Coordination Centre at TRACON, where he commended NAMA’s ability to manage rescue operations through its primary centres in Lagos and Kano, as well as sub-centres in Abuja and other regions.
He credited the success of these operations to seamless collaboration with key stakeholders, including the military, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), state fire services, oil companies, and Julius Berger.
“We have a robust rescue system that efficiently coordinates operations across the country,” Mr. John noted. “Collaboration with stakeholders ensures we are always prepared for any emergencies”.
The NAMA director expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of air traffic controllers, highlighting their strong commitment to ensuring flight safety, often under challenging conditions.
“Our staff work tirelessly, round the clock, sometimes at personal risk, to guarantee the safety of flight operations and passengers. Their dedication is commendable, and I encourage them to continue striving for excellence,” he said.
