Nigerian airspace is safe, fully covered by radar – NAMA

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has insisted that the country’s airspace is totally covered by its radar, saying the airspace is safe.

Managing Director/Chief Executive of the agency, Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk stated that a recent report claiming that the airspace is not covered by radar is unfounded.

In a statement he personally signed, the MD explained that the radar stations in Nigeria (Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and Port-Harcourt) are serviceable.

The statement reads, “Radar services for Terminal and En route flights are positively identified and provide air navigation services to airspace users. Yes, it is true that the TRACON system, like any other electronics systems, is undergoing an upgrade of software and modernisation to meet the ever growing demand for efficient, effective and seamless air traffic management services.”

“Furthermore, the welfare of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers in terms of salaries and allowances is not in contention, as to suggest that it is the lowest in the world. NAMA, as a reputable agency, prides herself at ensuring sustainable welfare packages for her staff, especially the Air Traffic Controllers.”

“The reported “unidentified” aircraft is a security terminology. In real terms, the aircraft in question is known, but only to the ATC. The violation was in the interest of safety, as a result of adverse weather (serious thunderstorm) on the said date.”

“The purported circular issued by the NCAA is for airlines to be guided from straying into the marked and published prohibited or restricted areas of the Nigerian airspace.”

He stated that there was the need for people to understand the workings of the surveillance systems, to avoid “misconstrued and misguided information on Primary and Secondary Radar.”

While noting that the agency will volunteer information on her services to anyone who requires them at any time, he said “NAMA remains committed to her responsibility to provide safe, effective, economic, and efficient air navigation services in Nigeria. The existence of robust, effective civil / military coordination and collaboration guarantees a secured airspace and air navigation. We are pleased to say that the Nigerian airspace is safe and secured.”