Nigeria’s aviation safety framework is facing mounting pressure as the country’s critical airspace surveillance infrastructure under the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) project approaches functional obsolescence, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, has disclosed.
The NAMA chief sounded the warning in Abuja while briefing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Adam Kambari, during a familiarisation visit, highlighting that the inability to source spare parts for ageing radar components could soon cripple Nigeria’s air traffic surveillance capability.
Engr. Farouk explained that the TRACON system, which provides real-time monitoring of aircraft across Nigerian airspace, has significantly exceeded its expected operational lifespan.
Although deployment commenced in 2008 and was completed in 2010, he noted that the underlying technology had already begun to phase out globally by 2014, as aviation authorities worldwide adopted more advanced systems.
He warned that the continued reliance on outdated equipment, much of which now operates without redundancy, presents a serious risk to uninterrupted surveillance services.
“The TRACON system has aged, and its components are becoming increasingly obsolete. Spare parts are no longer available, and several units are operating without backup. This puts our airspace at real risk of losing surveillance capability,” he stated.
Originally commissioned in 2001 as a flagship, multibillion-naira safety initiative, TRACON was designed to deliver full radar coverage using a network of nine sites nationwide.
The system integrates Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) and Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR), enabling air traffic controllers to track, identify, and manage aircraft movements efficiently.
However, the ageing infrastructure now threatens Nigeria’s compliance with global aviation safety benchmarks established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly in the area of Air Traffic Services (ATS) surveillance.
Beyond the technical concerns, the NAMA boss outlined a series of financial and operational constraints undermining the agency’s ability to modernise its systems and maintain optimal service delivery.
He cited inadequate government budgetary provisions for safety-critical projects, the impact of currency volatility on operational costs, and the deduction of 30 per cent from NAMA’s internally generated revenue by the Federal Government as major impediments.
In addition, Engr. Farouk decried the stagnation of service charges, revealing that the agency has maintained a flat rate of ₦11,000 per flight operation since 2008, despite rising costs.
“That tariff is no longer sustainable in today’s economic climate, yet attempts to review it are often resisted. Meanwhile, we must continue to fund operations, maintain equipment, and cover high energy costs, particularly fuel for power generation,” he said.
He also pointed to a shortage of skilled technical and operational personnel, limited training opportunities due to funding constraints, and growing indebtedness by domestic airlines and some state-owned airports.
Responding, Permanent Secretary Mahmoud Adam Kambari assured NAMA of the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the challenges through stronger institutional collaboration and policy support.
He stressed the importance of reintroducing regular strategic meetings involving top ministry officials and heads of aviation agencies, describing such engagements as vital for resolving sector-wide issues and ensuring coordinated development.
Kambari also highlighted the need to prioritise staff welfare, timely promotions, and capacity development, noting that a motivated workforce is essential to sustaining safety and efficiency in the aviation industry.
“We are determined to support our agencies in fulfilling their mandates and to ensure that Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and international connectivity,” he said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s satisfactory rating by ICAO, the Permanent Secretary urged aviation agencies to intensify efforts to achieve even higher standards in future audits.
He further commended Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar for his leadership, describing him as an experienced professional whose contributions are critical to the advancement of the sector.
Aviation analysts warn that without immediate intervention to upgrade the TRACON system, Nigeria could face significant disruptions in air traffic management, with potential implications for safety, efficiency, and international confidence.
The situation underscores the urgency of investing in modern surveillance technologies to ensure that Nigeria’s airspace remains secure, competitive, and compliant with global aviation standards.
About The Author
