How Nigeria leads Africa with free route airspace system
BY CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) says it has implemented the Free Route Airspace concept, making Nigeria the first country in Africa to adopt this system.
The initiative allows aircraft to fly direct routes rather than relying on traditional navigational points, significantly reducing flight times, operational costs, and CO2 emissions, adding this achievement has earned the agency commendations from global aviation organizations.
Managing Director, NAMA, Engr. Umar Farouk who stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos with the theme: Transforming the Aviation Industry: Through Strategic Partnerships: Advancing Airport Concession for Sustainable Development’, outlined the agency’s accomplishments, which have enhanced air navigation services across the country.
Represented by NAMA Director, Air Traffic Services, Mr. John Tayo, Engr. Farouk said, significant strides in airspace safety, efficiency, and infrastructure development over the past year has been made with the successful installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at Minna, Makurdi, Yola, and other airports, addressing long-standing challenges in navigational aids.
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According to him, the agency resolved a 28-year issue with the radio frequencies 127.3 and 120.9 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, a problem that had been a concern for pilots and international aviation bodies.
Addressing manpower shortages, Engr. Farouk announced that, NAMA recruited 200 Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), with 150 already graduating from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, and receiving licenses from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Recognizing the need for specialized training, NAMA collaborated with the Nigerian Air Force to train newly recruited air traffic controllers and this partnership, which supplements the training capacity of NCAT, has already produced 20 certified ATCs.
Furthermore, he said, several airport offices and fire stations, including those in Abuja, Yola, Zaria, Jos, and Benin, have undergone extensive renovations to improve working conditions.
The agency also secured ISO 9001 certification in Air Navigation Services (ANS), demonstrating compliance with international safety and quality standards, this was achieved through collaboration with the NCAA and other regulatory bodies.
In Lagos, the restoration of the ILS is underway, with a new system set to be installed within two weeks to enhance landing precision.
NAMA has intensified the calibration of navigational aids across the country in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and NCAA directives, says Farouk.
Airports in Kano, Lagos, and Asaba have already undergone calibration, with plans to complete nationwide calibration by the end of the year.
“We also calibrating all our navigational aids in line with ICAO directives and CAA directives. Presently, we have calibrated Kano, Lagos though the ILS is withdrawing the VOR and RNAV approaches are working, we are calibrating Asaba now, we will calibrate all the airports before the end of the year by the grace of God”.
In a bid to enhance operational efficiency, WiFi has been installed at Nigeria’s five major airports, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Abuja.
The agency also reported a significant reduction in Air Safety Reports (ASR), reflecting improved air traffic management and reduced incidents of airspace infringements.
The agency’s commitment to staff welfare has also been reaffirmed, with long-overdue improvements in employment conditions and salary structures now implemented.
“Conditional service of our staff has been moribund for four years, but I can tell you now, it’s been approved, we have implemented, we are collecting better salaries”.
NAMA has expanded its service provision to emerging private airports, including those in Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Damaturu, ensuring their integration into Nigeria’s airspace system.
“NAMA stand ready to work with all partners to achieve these objectives and I assure you of our unwaivering dedication to service excellence”.
