radar airport with jet airplane on background
Airport radar
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has begun the modernisation of its safety-critical infrastructure by ordering the procurement and installation of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) system as a reliable backup to the existing Eurocat C radar in use
A media statement from NAMA reiterated that its management is fully aware of the level of serviceability/functionality of the Eurocat C radar system currently in use and has concluded plans for its immediate replacement without much ado.
The statement announced that, “In the interim, NAMA has commenced the deployment of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) system as a reliable backup to the existing radar”.
According to the statement signed by Dr Abdullahi Musa, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, explained the equipment re-fleeting is to “ensure continuous, real-time surveillance and guarantees the safe, orderly and efficient flow of air traffic across Nigerian airspace and beyond.”
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) is a satellite-based aviation surveillance system where aircraft automatically broadcast their precise GPS location, altitude, and velocity to ground stations and other aircraft. It enhances safety and efficiency over traditional radar by providing faster, more accurate data, allowing for closer aircraft spacing and better cockpit situational awareness.
On the capacity development especially of its core workforce, the statement said NAMA has “continued to invest significantly in human capacity development. In the past year alone, over 140 Air Traffic Controllers have undergone specialized training programs in reputable institutions abroad, equipping them with contemporary skills in air traffic management and safety procedures”
It added that “about 40 Air Traffic Control cadets have been successfully trained and graduated from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Traffic Service (ATS) Training Centre, Kaduna.”
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On the capacity development embarked upon in the current fiscal year the statement noted that “30 cadets are currently undergoing training at these same institutions to strengthen manpower capacity and address staffing needs”.
The agency also made clarification that “issues relating to career progression, particularly among officers on Grade Level 16, as well as matters concerning post-license allowances, staff claims, stress and fatigue, are receiving the active attention of management in collaboration with the supervising ministry. Concrete steps are being taken to ensure that these concerns are addressed in a fair and sustainable manner”.
NAMA reiterated that “safety remains its core mandate and highest priority. The agency will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the provision of uninterrupted, safe and efficient air navigation services in line with global best practices”.
The general public and all airspace users are therefore advised to disregard the unfounded reports if they ever got to them and remain assured of the safety and integrity of Nigeria’s airspace.
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