Concerns are mounting in Nigeria’s aviation industry after the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency warned that the country may soon struggle to effectively monitor aircraft within its airspace due to ageing radar systems.
Air traffic controllers who depend daily on the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria system say the challenges are becoming increasingly pronounced.
NAMA Managing Director, Farouk Umar, made the remarks while hosting the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Kambari, describing the current state of the TRACON system as dire.
He said, “Our area of urgent attention includes the air traffic surveillance service. The TRACON system has aged. Components are becoming obsolete with no spare parts, and most parts are working without backup. The airspace is at risk of losing surveillance service.”
TRACON, regarded as the backbone of the country’s air surveillance architecture, is now said to have significantly deteriorated. Umar noted that although the system was deployed between 2008 and 2010, it has long outlived its effective operational lifespan.
He noted that, “The lifespan of this kind of high-tech equipment is about ten years. Since 2014, the technology has been going out of fashion globally, with many countries migrating to more advanced systems.”
He, however, warned that the consequences could be extensive. “Without a reliable surveillance system, maintaining safe distances between aircraft becomes more difficult, increasing risks in an already complex aviation environment. Nigeria could also struggle to meet international standards. Providing air navigation services in line with ICAO requirements might become a challenge if urgent steps are not taken,” he said.
Beyond the technical setbacks, Umar said the agency is grappling with financial pressures that are further hindering efforts to modernise key systems. He also raised concerns about the 30 per cent Federal Government deduction from NAMA’s internally generated revenue, stressing that “this deduction is affecting our ability to meet critical obligations.”
He added that soaring operational costs, particularly for fuel used in power generation, have placed additional pressure on the agency.
“Revenue challenges persist as well. Since 2008, we have been charging N11,000 per aircraft for each flight. That amount is no longer realistic, yet we face resistance every time we propose an increase. We must sustain our equipment, and that requires funding,” the NAMA boss lamented.
Umar also pointed to manpower shortages and limited training opportunities for staff as issues that could further undermine the system if left unresolved.
He further disclosed that mounting debts owed by airlines and state-owned airports continue to weaken the agency’s financial position.
He also highlighted manpower shortages and limited training opportunities as challenges that could further undermine the system if not urgently addressed. In addition, he revealed that growing debts owed by the airlines and state-owned airports are steadily eroding the agency’s financial stability.
In response, Kambari acknowledged the gravity of the issues and assured the agency of the ministry’s backing. “We will continue to work closely with all agencies to ensure they succeed. Nigeria’s aviation industry must remain a vital economic driver and a hub for global connectivity,” he said.
