NAMA Enhances Airspace Security with Surveillance Upgrades, International Collaboration
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has initiated an upgrade of its surveillance infrastructure across the nation’s airports and remote installations to enhance the safety and security of Nigeria’s airspace.
In a statement signed by Abdullahi Musa, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NAMA, the agency explained that the effort aims to address security challenges and bolster the overall surveillance capabilities of the agency.
To drive this initiative successfully, the agency disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a visit to Spain by key NAMA staff to inspect advanced facilities and engage with technology solution providers.
The visit, according to NAMA, is expected to play a crucial role in the agency’s surveillance system upgrade.
During a recent meeting with a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at NAMA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, NAMA Managing Director Engr Ahmed Umar Farouk emphasised the importance of the collaboration between the two agencies.
He highlighted that the partnership has been essential in maintaining airspace safety and security in Nigeria.
“NAMA handles civil operations, while the Air Force oversees security. Our close collaboration is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace,” Farouk stated.
Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdulkadir, leading the NAF delegation, reported on the recent enhancements in the Air Force’s capabilities to secure the nation’s airspace.
He mentioned the deployment of new platforms for national air defense, stationed with the Air Defense Group in Makurdi.
Additionally, the NAF has completed its day training and is nearing the completion of night training, which will enable rapid response and interception of intruders in the airspace.
Abdulkadir also updated on the NAF’s improved capabilities to monitor and identify all aircraft entering and exiting Nigeria’s airspace.
He stressed the need for continued collaboration between NAMA and NAF to sustain the current security and safety levels.
Describing NAMA and NAF as “twin children of the same mother,” Abdulkadir emphasized that the Air Force’s responsibility for airspace security complements NAMA’s role in airspace management.
He also mentioned joint training initiatives aimed at addressing the shortage of Air Traffic Controllers in the country.
According to him, the Nigerian Air Force training center in Kaduna, recently accredited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), will train at least 20 NAMA staff annually.
This concerted effort by NAMA and NAF, supported by the President’s approval, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining a secure and efficient airspace.
