NAMA installs Prefabricated Pilot Joint Briefing Offices
…says AIS automation is near completion
The digitalisation of Nigeria’s Aeronautical Information Service has gained momentum as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has commenced installation of prefabricated pilot joint briefing offices nationwide.
The agency said the installation team, which has completed work at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, has proceeded to another airport and is expected to continue the installation in 21 airports and 3 aerodromes nationwide.
In a statement made available to TW, the agency explained that “the prefabricated offices, when operational, will provide a one-stop shop at the airside where crew members can obtain AIS briefing, meteorological information and make necessary payments at a single point in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs).”
It added that the facility will also accommodate the equipment room for the VSAT network which is simultaneously being installed by the contractor.
Speaking on this development, the Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, said the installation of PPJB offices was part of the agency’s efforts to “enhance seamless communication in the upper airspace.”
According to him, Satellite Lineup for the VSAT node at NAMA headquarters in Lagos will be completed within the week, while that of Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other stations would follow in the next couple of days.
The NAMA boss also disclosed that the installation of 14 new Very High Frequency (VHF) radio sites, which will ride on the new VSAT network, is to commence simultaneously with these installations.
Akinkuotu expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support and intervention leading to the final clearance of the agency’s VSAT equipment at the Apapa port.
He, however, assured airspace users and the flying public that the Nigerian airspace remained safe, adding that NAMA would continue to upgrade its air traffic management services and procedures to guarantee the safety of air navigation in the country at all times.
