The Federal government has commissioned the newly installed Low Level Wind shear Alert system at the Umaru Musa Yaradua International airport aimed at enhancing safety and meeting operational standards at the nation’s airports.
Daily Trust reports that the Yaradua airport is the 13th in the federation to have the system installed so far.
Speaking during the commissioning event, minister of state for aviation Senator Hadi Sirika said weather phenomena affect air navigation and wind shear is one of the most hazardous weather events to aircraft.
He said, wind shear occurs when the speed and direction of wind changes abruptly noting that ‘ it is particularly dangerous during takeoff and landing when the aircraft is at low altitudes.
According to him, Nimet as a parastatal under the ministry will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the state government that will provide framework for the delivery and application of weather and climates services to enhance agricultural production in the state.
While assuring the government readiness to continue to support and enhance aviation best practices, Sirika commended staff and management of the agency for working tirelessly to enhance safety at nation’s airports
Earlier, the minster was at the government house where he paid a courtesy call on the governor acknowledged the viability of the Umar Yardua Airport, maintaining that it is on record that the late Emir of Katsina (Emir Dikko) once flew in an aircraft directly from Katsina to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj ‘ long before aircraft started landing in Lagos,”
In his remarks, Gov Aminu Masari said there is nothing wrong with concession of airports saying, “What matters most is ensuring safety is not compromised.”