The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive upgrade of Nigeria’s Total Radar Coverage (TRACON) system and commenced the deployment of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology as part of efforts to improve airspace surveillance and strengthen aviation safety.
The measures were announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, at the 55th Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Air Traffic Controllers of Nigeria (NATCA) in Lagos. Keyamo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmoud Kambari, said the existing radar infrastructure had outlived its design life and required a comprehensive overhaul to meet current operational demands.
ADS-B equipment has been acquired by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to provide additional surveillance capability, while the agency is also pursuing technical assistance from the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) to address persistent communication equipment challenges.
NAMA’s Managing Director, Ahmed Farouk, represented by the Director of Air Traffic Services, John Tayo, said the agency had also commenced overseas training for personnel as part of efforts to improve technical capacity and expose staff to international operational practices.
He disclosed that new Very High Frequency (VHF) radio equipment and Voice Communication and Control Systems intended for 14 NAMA operational sites had undergone factory acceptance tests in Norway.
The minister also said the Federal Government had approved the construction of a new NAMA headquarters and an Air Traffic Management Centre in Abuja. The proposed centre is expected to bring the Lagos and Kano Area Control Centres under one roof, supporting closer coordination of air traffic management operations.
Keyamo said Nigeria recorded an Effective Implementation score of 91.45 per cent during the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Coordinated Validation Mission in April, compared with 70.12 per cent in 2023. He attributed the improvement to stronger collaboration among aviation agencies, service providers, training institutions and air traffic controllers.
However, NATCA expressed concern that persistent deficiencies in communication and surveillance infrastructure continued to place pressure on controllers, arguing that procurement approvals and government announcements had yet to translate into significant improvements at operational consoles.
The association’s President, Amos Edino, said NATCA had raised the concerns with the Aviation Ministry, NAMA, national security authorities and the National Assembly, to which it had submitted a memorandum proposing sustainable funding reforms for air navigation services.
He warned that continued delays in addressing the infrastructure challenges could force the association to consider stronger measures, while urging the government to develop a clear plan for upgrading the systems on which controllers depend to manage aircraft movements safely.
On workforce development, Edino disclosed that more than 100 newly recruited controllers were undergoing training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria and the Nigerian Air Force Air Traffic Services Training Centre in Kaduna. The association is also expanding specialised training through international partnerships, with another 60 controllers expected to undertake Air Traffic Flow Management training after the conference.
Staff welfare and career progression also featured prominently at the meeting. NAMA said it had introduced a Post-Licence Allowance and approved a revised medical allowance rate for licensed air traffic controllers, effective January 2027. A review of the agency’s Conditions of Service is being finalised, while comprehensive insurance coverage has also been approved for its workforce.
Edino, however, called for the implementation of outstanding allowances, including the English Language Proficiency allowance, and a review of rating allowances. He also raised concerns about career stagnation, noting that some senior controllers had remained on the same salary grade for as long as 14 years. He advocated improved retention arrangements for experienced personnel.
Keyamo assured controllers that the government would engage relevant institutions to address outstanding welfare and professional concerns, while urging the association to continue resolving disagreements through dialogue without disrupting services to the travelling public.
The conference, themed “Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Nigerian Air Traffic Management”, highlighted the need for coordinated investment in surveillance technology, reliable communications, workforce development and sustainable funding to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s air navigation system.
