NAMA to expend over N36bn on upgrade of TRACON, other navigational facilities
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has embarked on a total upgrade of its navigational equipment across the country in order to boost air safety and operational efficiency in the nation’s airspace.
Speaking at a media interactive forum with aviation correspondents in Lagos during the weekend, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Engr. Matthew Lawrence Pwajok disclosed that key facilities included in the upgrade project are the TRACON (Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria), Safe Tower, and the upgrade and implementation of Wide Area Multilateration in the Gulf of Guinea, among others.
He said the cost for the upgrade of TRACON, which is ongoing, is N23 billion while that of Safe Tower is N13 billion, totalling N36 billion for the two projects.
According to Pwajok, the breakdown of the N23 billion earmarked for the upgrade of TRACON is that N17 billion would be expended on system upgrade which includes both the software and hardware of the Radar itself while N5 billion would be spent on VSAT (Very Small Appetite Terminal).
He said the upgrade of the VSAT would enhance the digital exchange of information at a very high speed and voice exchange of information using ground radius and air-ground communication between air traffic controllers and pilots.
“The upgrade of TRACON is ongoing, since 2010; we have not been able to upgrade to top Sky. The upgrade is expected to improve the functionality and efficiency of the system. It will become automated and will begin to issue information electronically thereby reducing the workload and pressure on Air Traffic Controllers and pilots.
“The upgrade will cover the entire nation; the nine locations of TRACON. This is aimed at improving the safety, efficiency and capacity of the airspace”, said Pwajok.
He added that the agency’s engineers have been maintaining the TRACON since it was commissioned twelve years ago (2010), and it has been functioning optimally to date, but there was a need for an upgrade to improve efficiency and enhance safety within the airspace and other neighbouring regions.
“The TRACON was commissioned in 2010 and we have a five-year maintenance contract, since that period, our engineers have been maintaining it, I commend them for this great job, a whole lot of money has been spent in terms of maintenance.
“TRACON has been working optimally and with this facility, we see everything over Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Malabo and many countries. With the upgrade, the functionality will change, we are doing this majorly to enhance safety, and efficiency, revenue is secondary,” said Pwajok.
As for the Safe Tower upgrade at the cost of N13 billion, Pwajok disclosed that the cost was in consonance with the current market value, and reflects other variables in the system, as it was due for an upgrade, adding that there was, also, the need to close all gaps before the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.
As for the upgrade and implementation of Wide Area Multilateration Surveillance in the Gulf of Guinea, Pwajok disclosed that the project will cost the agency $12.9million, as it has the capacity to detect drones, helicopters and other low-flying aircraft in the region.
According to him, the Multilateration would also track illegal activities of pirates and ship owners who indulge in stealing the nation’s crude oil, adding that the agency would partner with the Nigerian Navy, Air Force and the maritime agency for effective implementation of the Multilateration project.
He said the multilateration uses a single, mobile receiver to measure the signals transmitted from a number of sites at fixed, known positions; and is highly recommended for effective monitoring, control and surveillance in that region.
