There are growing fears within Nigeria’s aviation sector as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency warns that the country could soon lose its ability to effectively monitor aircraft within its airspace due to ageing radar infrastructure.
For air traffic controllers who rely daily on the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria system, the complaints are becoming more resounding.
Managing Director of NAMA, Farouk Umar, while playing host to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Kambari, described the current situation of the TRACON as terrible.
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.”