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NAMA Boosting Security Of Nigeria’s Airspace

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4 years ago

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The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), established via the Act of Parliament, has the mandate to provide safe, efficient, effective and economic air navigation services to airspace users, through deployment of new technologies and dedicated workforce.
The vision is for NAMA to be one of the leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) in the w
NAMA’s Acting Managing Director,orld.
Mr Mathew Pwajok, said the agency had initiated relevant projects to enable it live up to expectation.
He spoke recently when he featured at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.
Pwajok said the government was ready to install Category 3 Instrument Landing System (ISL) in three international airports in the country.
He listed the airports as: Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Port Harcourt International Airport and the Katsina Airport, bringing airports with Category 3 ILS to five.
According to him, ILS is a navigational equipment that provides lateral guidance for an aircraft, sky guidance for the aircraft and the longitudinal guidance for the aircraft when landing.
“Navigational facility is one of the very critical requirements for access into an airport safely, efficiently and economically. We place very high premium on the procurement and installation of navigational equipment.
“Over the past five years, we have deployed significantly a large number of navigational equipment. I can go through some of them by justifying my statement.
“Currently, we have installed what we call Category 3 Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Lagos and Abuja airports.
“We are also planning to install addition ones in Kano, Port Harcourt and Katsina.”
The NAMA chief, who explained that Category 3 landing system was the highest category for landing anywhere in the world, said that government was set to invest heavily to ensure that all the nation’s international airports had the facility.
Pwajok said that lighting system would complement Category 3.
He said that Category 3 approach system was also required to guide pilots, using the instrument landing system.
“Currently, we have installed instrument landing system of Category 2 that requires what we call low visibility operations.
“In operations, where the visibility is below 800m and not lower than 300m, we use what we call a Category 2 instrument landing system.
“For a Category 1 instrument landing system, which are few, you need 800m visibility or more.
“That is to say, visibility must be about 1km (1,000m) for you to be able to do a Catigory1 landing system, the lowest of the three categories.
“For Category 3, when the aircraft and the flight crew are adequately certified for it, with the visual lighting system available, you can basically land in zero visibility, “he said.
Pwajok said that Category 2 ILS was installed in Sokoto, Kano, Minna, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Yola, Jos, Enugu and Benin airports.
He said that Category 2 ILS was currently being installed in Ilorin, Ibadan and Akure airports, noting that some state airports such as Gombe, Kebbi, Bayelsa and Anambra had already installed Category 2 ILS facilities.
The NAMA boss explained that the airport at Lafia in Nasarawa State, which also had Category 2 ILS had not been opened to services because it had not yet been inaugurated.
Pwajok said that Categroy1 facilities were still being used in few airports, pointing out that government had planned to replace them with Category 2 ILS.
“We have other equipment that can guide airplanes to airports and we call them Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range (VOR), a ground-based electronic system that provides information for high and low altitude routes and airport approaches.
“The VOR is like a broadcast station. It transmits information. Unlike radio station where you tune and hear music, for this navigational facility, when you tune, it gives you directional guidance.
“It directs you for example, if you are going to Lagos, it shows you where the direction to Lagos is. So you fly on that flight path.
“It will also give you the distance to where you are going as well as distance from where you are coming from,” Pwajok said.
The NAMA boss further said the agency was currently upgrading control towers in four international airports to enhance air traffic management.
Pwajok said that the control towers, installed over 10 years ago, were obsolete and as such needed to be upgraded.
“On our project, we currently have a safe tower project. In 2005/2006, we have some air craft crashes.
“In 2007, the Obasanjo government implemented what we called the safe tower, which simply refers to automated air travel management system at the control towers of Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt airports.
“Now, these systems after over 10 years are due for upgrade and currently that is what we are doing to upgrade the control tower at the four international airports- Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.
“ This is to bring them in line with the right capacity, the right functionality and capability for enhanced air traffic management at these airports,’’ he said.
Pwajok explained that a total raider coverage, that was inaugurated over 10 years ago by then President Goodluck Jonathan also needed an upgrade.
He said the Federal Government approved N28 billion for the upgrade of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON).
“They are in nine locations – Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Obubra in Cross Rivers, Maiduguri, Talata-Mafara in Kebbi and Numan in Adamawa.
“These equipment provide a complete coverage of Nigeria on raider, so aircraft flight within the country are seen and controlled by air traffic controllers in the radar.
“So, the equipment are being upgraded to be in line with global standards and also in line with the expectations of increased traffic volume and requirement for safety and efficiency of flight.
“So this project is currently ongoing and we are doing a survey movement raider and ground control at Lagos and Abuja that will provide surface guidance for aircraft,” he said.
He said once they were upgraded, there would then be a surveillance control from departure gate to arrival gate that would be fully automated.
He added that there would be an automated system that would sequence aircraft on departure, stressing that this would completely reduce delays.
“At the moment what we do is that the air traffic controller uses his judgment to determine which aircraft comes first.
“But automated system will detect the speed of an aircraft, the performance and the direction the aircraft is coming from and will now have an air traffic controller to sequence them on arrival.
“We are implementing that in Lagos and Abuja, and hopefully by this year, this project will be completed as it is one of our key projects,’’ he added.
Pwajok said the country currently has 13 modernised and automated control tower projects to enhance air traffic control at the airports, adding that similar projects had been completed in Zaria and Kastina states.
He said that the control towers had been integrated with metrological data, where regular weather reports would be brought into the system.
On navigation, he said the agency had deployed a very High Frequency Omni-directional radio-range (VOR) Doppler that would guide aircraft, either over flying on airspace or flying from one airport to the other.
He said that this equipment had replaced initial landing system instrument, adding that the satellite navigation system that gives precision on aeronautical management had been deployed.
According to him, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) have been installed in 26 locations – 24 in airports, one in NAMA and one in NEMA headquarters to facilitate search and rescue.
According to him, this VSAT will provide digital exchange of information at a very high speed and voice exchange of information using ground radius and air ground communication between air traffic controllers and pilots.
He said if fully completed, it would enhance air ground communication, ground to ground communication and electronic management of information of flight movement.
The NAMA boss assured that the agency would do all within its powers to boost air safety in Nigeria.

By: Gabriel Agbeja
Agbeja writes for News Agency of Nigeria NAN

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Aviation

Airlines Mull New Strategies To  Drive Business Sustainability

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3 days ago

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May 13, 2026

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Airlines and operators in the Nigerian aviation industry are considering a strategic review of their business models in order to mitigate frequent disruptions due to external shocks and ensure sustainable operations.
The strategic business review comes as the Federal Government is wrapping up plans to explore business  opportunities for local carriers, cargo operators and other commercial ventures in the global aerospace market set to hit over $ 900 billion in the next few years.
Part of the initiatives packaged by the government to achieve more participation in the value chain include the engagement of original equipment manufacturers , lessors, investors in the aviation infrastructure space and other interventions. The global aerospace market is valued at approximately $409.09 billion in 2026.
Nigerian airlines, like their global counterparts, had in recent weeks come under serious pressure due to  increase in aviation fuel price, which has created unease in the air transport ecosystem, forcing local carriers  to cut flights frequencies and routes they fly into, in order to remain in business.
The spike in the price of jet fuel is putting pressure in the cost component of airline operations as airlines now spend more money, almost tripping the value it took three months ago to keep airplanes in skies
.
Three airlines, including Ibom Air, Air Peace and Rano Air said they were considering reworking their business and operational models to ensure business sustainability.
The plans by the airlines revolved around optimisation of commercially viable routes and reduction of flights frequency on some routes, as well as cutting down on other operational expenses.
Air Peace said it was reducing  the frequency of its Abuja–London operations to three weekly flights due to fuel supply constraints
Rano Air is considering reducing its flight frequencies and temporarily suspending some routes to enable it remain in business.
Rano Air said the decision to reduce some flight routes followed a sharp rise in Jet A1 aviation fuel prices, which has significantly increased operating costs.
The airline said price surge has made certain routes commercially unsustainable, forcing a reduction in operations until conditions improve.
Rano Air said the suspension decision came after careful evaluation of the growing financial burden caused by escalating fuel prices.
Nigeria with its increasing number of airlines, ground handling companies and other activities taking place at airports is a huge consumer of aerospace equipment and facilities.
Discussions are intensifying with  major aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, and Canadian corporation : Bombardier to enable local airlines secure airplanes at terms and conditions that aligns with their business plans.
To achieve this, the Federal Government has signed a strategic partnership agreement with French airplane maker – the Airbus Company.
Industry sources hinted that the pact will go a long way to facilitate easier aircraft acquisition for local carriers which are leveraging available opportunities to deepen their fleet expansion and modernisation drive.
Industry experts have described the move as deft in the broader strategy to attract development into the sector which is in dire need of such intervention.
An operator, who is a former group managing director in a cargo company said the current move by the Federal Government is a good demonstration to attract global leverage for the country’s aviation sector struggling with insufficient funds to remain competitive.
The operator who pleaded not to be  named in print said Nigeria is now  actively transforming its aviation and aerospace sector, by  shifting from a passive market to an active participant through strategic partnerships, pushing for infrastructure development, and private-sector-led initiatives.
Recently, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the establishment of a Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company – a private-sector-led Special Purpose Vehicle-  to provide local airlines with accessible leasing options.
 Nigeria , also  signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to bolster aerospace development, focusing on training, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, and technical expertise.
As part of follow-up efforts to the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of a national aircraft leasing company to support domestic airlines, a delegation from Nigeria’s aviation sector has secured deals with Airbus and other aviation institutions in France.
 Last week , Keyamo visited France to explore opportunities for collaboration, capacity development, and aircraft acquisition.
The minister led a delegation including officials from the Ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) with  stakeholders from the public and private aviation sectors, including a  team from the  Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) and 7- Star Global Hangar.
The delegation toured Airbus’ narrow-body and wide-body aircraft assembly plants, as well as helicopter assembly facilities in Toulouse and Marseille, where Airbus executives showcased some of the latest jet and helicopter technologies.
The company , it was learnt also expressed interest in expanding investment opportunities in Nigeria and the wider West African aviation market.
During the visit, the Minister secured opportunities for Nigerian institutions to collaborate with Airbus in the areas of student exchange programmes and capacity development.
An understanding was also reached with Airbus to facilitate partnerships and create a platform through which Nigerian airlines could access new aircraft using a sovereign guarantee framework approved by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that Ibom Air had earlier received two aircraft through the current effort, expecting to receive two more brand new aircraft to be delivered to the airline soon.
Speaking on the development , Managing Director of Ibom Air, George Uriesi expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and Airbus for the collaboration.
Airlines had expressed concerns that the sharp rise in Jet A1 costs has significantly strained flight operations, making it increasingly difficult to maintain some services profitably.
Aviation fuel prices surged from approximately N900 per litre in late February to over N3,000 per litre by April, according to the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
Nigerian airlines had threatened a nationwide operational shutdown from April 20, 2026, citing unsustainable fuel expenses.
To assuage the operators, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a 30 per cent reduction in certain statutory aviation fees to provide temporary relief.
The Federal Government also introduced capped Jet A1 pricing and a proposed 30-day credit window for airlines.
While these interventions may ease short-term pressure, airlines continue to struggle with elevated operating costs.
But, the interventions by the government is not achieving the desired results.
Group Manager, Marketing and Communications of Ibom Air, Aniekan Essienette, disclosed that fuel costs per flight have jumped from about N2.1 million in January to approximately N7.6 million as of April 27.
“This represents more than a 350 percent increase since early March, in just about seven weeks,”
She  noted that the airline operates one of the most fuel efficient fleets in the domestic market, yet the spike in aviation fuel prices has significantly eroded its cost structure.
Ibom Air said it has been unable to fully adjust ticket fares to reflect the rising costs due to competitive pressures and the need to remain accessible to passengers.
“We chose to absorb the cost increases initially, believing the situation would ease within a short period. However, it has persisted for nearly two months, with no indication of relief,” the airline said.
The company warned that current conditions are unsustainable and may compel it to scale down operations.
“Globally, airlines respond to rising fuel costs by reducing flights. We may have to adopt similar measures, including cutting capacity, to continue operating,” she added.
She cautioned that if the trend continues, airlines may be forced to suspend operations entirely, as revenues would be insufficient to cover fuel expenses alone.
Ibom Air called on fuel marketers to review pricing mechanisms to ensure the viability of the airline industry in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, National President , National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Captain Bunmi Gindeh , said the aviation fuel crisis has serious implications for airline. sustainability and safety..
Gindeh said if the situation is not properly managed, the aviation fuel supply crisis has far reaching implications for the sector , the country’s economy and the flying public.
He said , “The persistent disruptions to flight schedules occasioned by the Jet A1 supply shortfall have resulted in significant extensions of crew duty time beyond planned parameters.
“For our members, pilots and engineers alike, this translates directly into elevated fatigue levels, a condition that is universally recognised in aviation as a critical safety hazard. Fatigue impairs cognitive function, slows reaction time, and, most dangerously, erodes situational awareness, a pilot or engineer’s most essential tool in managing the complexities of flight operations.
“The safety of every passenger aboard is therefore placed at measurable risk when crew members are compelled to operate under these conditions.”
He said beyond the  immediate safety concerns, the fuel crisis is inflicting significant financial strain on airline operators.
Gindeh said :”  Grounded or delayed aircraft generate no revenue, yet fixed operational costs persist. This economic pressure invariably filters down to our members in the form of delayed salary payments, wage reductions, and general deterioration of welfare conditions.
“A workforce operating under financial stress is a workforce distracted, and distraction in an aviation environment is, once again, a precursor to compromised safety.
 “NAAPE is alarmed by early indicators that some operators are already restructuring their operations in response to this crisis. The recent announcement by Rano Air of a reduction in operational routes is a clear signal of the economic damage being wrought.
“ Should the situation remain unaddressed, we anticipate further route suspensions, potential cessation of operations by some carriers, and significant job losses across the aviation sector. Given that aviation is a critical driver of economic activity, trade, tourism, and connectivity in Nigeria, the downstream consequences for the national economy would be severe and far-reaching”.
He called  on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), fuel suppliers, and all relevant stakeholders to treat the resolution of this Jet A1 supply crisis as a matter of urgent national priority.
A player in the sector who spoke under anonymity, said the Federal Government’s intervention may offer temporary relief but does not address the structural drivers of Jet A1 price volatility.
He  explained that aviation fuel pricing is largely determined by international Platts benchmarks and the naira-dollar exchange rate, meaning global oil trends and currency pressures remain the key cost drivers.
Marketers argued that direct price controls conflict with deregulation principles and are unlikely to be sustainable.
They  called for structural reforms, including tax reliefs, improved access to financing, naira-based domestic fuel transactions, and stronger support for local refining, including sales from the Dangote Refinery in naira to reduce dollar exposure.
They also questioned the feasibility of the proposed 30-day credit window for airlines without stronger risk-sharing mechanisms.
They maintained that without deeper reforms across the aviation fuel supply chain, current interventions will likely provide only short-term relief while price instability persists.
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Passengers Stranded As Delta Airline From Atlanta Route Back Eight Hours After 

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3 days ago

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May 13, 2026

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Delta Air Lines flight DL54 bound to Lagos from its operating hub at the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, made air return after eight hours flight, as the crew announced to the passengers that the decision to go back to Atlanta was due to operational issues.
Airlive.com reported that passengers bound for Nigeria spent nearly a full workday in the sky on Saturday, only to end up exactly where they started and on Monday the airline cancelled its Lagos-Atlanta bound flight without adequate communication to the travellers.
Airllive.com indicated that the flight operated by an Airbus A330-200 (registration N854W) departed Atlanta at 5:42 PM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) on Saturday, May 9 and according to flight tracking data, the aircraft climbed to a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet and maintained a standard eastbound track for approximately three and a half hours.
However, as the jet approached the midpoint of its oceanic crossing, the crew made the decision to turn the aircraft around and return to base over operational issues.
In a statement, Delta Air Lines confirmed that the flight was diverted back to Atlanta due to an “operational issue.” While the airline did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the malfunction or logistical hurdle, the decision to return to the hub (rather than diverting to an airport in the Azores or Western Europe) suggests the issue was one better handled by the airline’s primary maintenance base.
Upon returning to Atlanta in the early hours of Sunday morning, the airline officially cancelled the flight. The 21-year-old Airbus A330 involved in the incident remained on the ground in Atlanta for inspection.
Meanwhile, the return of Flight DL54 to Atlanta led to the cancelation of the Lagos-Atlanta flight (DLO55) on Monday  and was scheduled to leave Lagos at 11: 45 AM, as at the time of the report.
The passengers as at press time were not updated on when another flight would be scheduled to fly to Atlanta.
Enoch Epelle
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Passenger Plane With 288 On Board Guts Fire After Landing

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3 days ago

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May 13, 2026

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A packed passenger plane caught fire after landing , forcing a mass evacuation of nearly 288 people on board and an airport shutdown.
The Turkish Airlines flight, heading from Istanbul to Kathmandu, was set ablaze after a spark went off in the jet’s landing gear, authorities said.
A spokesperson for Nepal’s civil aviation agency said: “All aboard are safe, the rescue part is over. We are now investigating the accident.”
The airport’s only runway was closed for almost two hours on Monday morning following the terrifying ordeal, but it has since reopened.
Several incoming flights were suspended following the saga as the runway was checked and cleared.
A Turkish Airlines spokesperson said: “Technical inspections of the aircraft have been initiated by our teams.
“Initial ?assessments indicate ?that the smoke was caused by a technical malfunction in a hydraulic ?pipe.”
Images showed the moments after the dramatic ordeal, with huge emergency slides seen deployed underneath the aircraft.
Smoke was also seen billowing from the plane’s right rear tyre as it touched down at Tribhuvan International Airport in the Nepalese capital.
There were 288 passengers and 11 crew members on board – all of whom were evacuated down the inflatable slides.
The plane was doused before it was safely towed to the taxiway.
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