𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗲--𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗔 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

11𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹, 2026.

Nigeria’s aviation safety framework is facing mounting pressure as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) raises alarm over weakening radar infrastructure that could compromise effective aircraft surveillance nationwide.

The agency’s Managing Director, Umar Farouk, disclosed this during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Kambari, describing the condition of the country’s radar network as “terrible.”

At the centre of the concern is the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, a multi-billion-naira project commissioned in 2001 to provide nationwide airspace monitoring. Once regarded as the backbone of Nigeria’s air traffic surveillance, the system is now said to have exceeded its operational lifespan, with critical components becoming obsolete and lacking replacements.

Farouk warned that the deterioration of TRACON poses significant safety risks, noting that air traffic controllers may struggle to maintain safe aircraft separation without reliable surveillance tools. He added that the situation could also hinder Nigeria’s ability to comply with global aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

“The airspace is at risk of losing surveillance service,” Farouk said, stressing that modern radar systems typically have a lifespan of about ten years, a threshold Nigeria’s infrastructure has long surpassed.

Beyond technical challenges, NAMA is grappling with financial constraints that are limiting its capacity to upgrade critical systems. The agency highlighted a 30 per cent Federal Government deduction from its internally generated revenue as a major setback, alongside rising operational costs, particularly for power generation.

The NAMA boss also pointed to stagnant service charges currently fixed at N11,000 per flight since 2008  as unrealistic under current economic conditions, citing resistance to proposed increases.

Additional concerns include manpower shortages, limited training opportunities, and growing debts owed by airlines and state-owned airports, all of which are further straining the agency’s operations.

In response, Kambari acknowledged the urgency of the situation and assured that the government would support efforts to stabilise the sector. He emphasised the need for coordinated investment, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce development to maintain Nigeria’s position as a key aviation hub.

“We are committed to aligning our aviation sector with international standards,” Kambari said, adding that collaboration across agencies would be critical to resolving the crisis.