Nigeria Engages Spain for Cutting-Edge Airspace Solutions
A high-powered Nigerian delegation is currently in Spain following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for advancing airspace technology towards enhancing air safety and security.
The delegation’s visit, according to a statement signed by Abdullahi Musa, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), underscores the nation’s commitment to modernising its airspace management and security frameworks through strategic international partnerships.
The delegation is led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside prominent figures such as Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar; and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar.
These officials are spearheading discussions focused on implementing state-of-the-art technologies to boost the security and efficiency of Nigeria’s airspace.
Central to their visit is a series of high-level meetings with José Vicente de los Mozos, CEO of Indra Systema, a leading Spanish technology firm. The discussions are centered around the integration of Dual Surveillance Systems with a Command and Control system tailored for military use.
This advanced system is anticipated to significantly enhance Nigeria’s airspace security, providing a robust framework to monitor and manage aerial threats effectively.
In addition to military applications, the delegation is exploring the development of a centralised Air Traffic Management (ATM) system at NAMA’s corporate headquarters.
The statement disclosed that this proposed system aims to streamline civil aviation operations, ensuring seamless and efficient management of Nigeria’s air traffic. Such advancements are expected to elevate Nigeria’s civil aviation sector to international standards, showcasing the country’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge technological solutions.
The Nigerian delegation also includes key officials from NAMA, such as Engr. Terese Iheanacho, Director of Air Traffic Service; John Tayo; and Engr. Isah Lars, General Manager of Surveillance.
Senior military officers in attendance are AVM Daramola, Air Commodore Folaji, Defence Attaché Group Captain Ganiyu, and Wing Commander Chinoko Usman.
This collaborative effort marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s pursuit of world-class air navigation and safety standards.
By integrating advanced surveillance and control systems, Nigeria aims to create a secure and efficient airspace management framework that supports both military and civil aviation sectors.
The visit to Spain and the ensuing technological collaborations highlight Nigeria’s proactive approach to strengthening national security and achieving excellence in airspace operations.
The outcomes of these discussions are poised to bring substantial improvements to Nigeria’s airspace management, reinforcing the nation’s position as a leader in aviation safety and security in Africa.
