The Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) has asserted that the Nigerian airspace is fully covered by radar. This was stated in a press release issued on Saturday by NAMA’s Managing Director, Mr. Ahmed Farouk, in Lagos. Farouk emphasized that the radar stations in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are all operational and serviceable.
He refuted claims that an unidentified aircraft had been spotted undetected at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, labeling such assertions as false and misleading. According to Farouk, radar services for terminal and en route flights are positively identified, providing necessary air navigation services to airspace users.
“The agency hereby wishes to state that the claim that the Nigerian airspace is not covered by radar is false and misleading. The radar stations in Nigeria (Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt) are serviceable. Radar services for terminal and en route flights are positively identified and provide air navigation services to airspace users,” he stated.
Farouk acknowledged that the TRACON system, like any other electronic system, is undergoing software upgrades and modernization to meet the growing demand for efficient air traffic management services. He also addressed concerns about the welfare of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers, stating that their salaries and allowances are not among the lowest in the world.
Farouk clarified the situation regarding the so-called “unidentified” aircraft, explaining that in security terms, the aircraft is known but only to Air Traffic Control (ATC). The incident involved a safety violation due to adverse weather conditions. He explained that a circular issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was intended to guide airlines from straying into prohibited or restricted areas of Nigerian airspace.
He criticized the journalist who reported the misleading information, suggesting that they misunderstood the surveillance systems’ workings, particularly primary and secondary radar. Farouk assured that NAMA is always willing to provide accurate information about its services to anyone in need.
Farouk also reiterated NAMA’s commitment to ensuring sustainable welfare packages for its staff, especially Air Traffic Controllers. He assured that NAMA is dedicated to providing safe, effective, economic, and efficient air navigation services in Nigeria. He emphasized the strong civil and military coordination and collaboration that guarantees the security of the airspace.
“We are pleased to say that the Nigerian airspace is safe and secured,” he concluded.