The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has refuted claims made by Nigerian journalist David Hundeyin regarding the safety of Nigerian airspace. In a recent statement, NAMA’s Managing Director, Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, addressed the allegations, asserting that Hundeyin’s statements were made out of ignorance.
NAMA’s attention was drawn to an interview on News Central where Hundeyin made what the agency described as “unfounded and spurious claims.” NAMA firmly stated, “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 Enroute flights are positively identified and provide air navigation services to airspace users.”
Farouk clarified the status of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, stating, “The TRACON system, like any other electronic system, is undergoing an upgrade of software and modernisation to meet the ever-growing demand for efficient, effective, and seamless air traffic management services.”
Regarding the welfare of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers, Farouk rebutted suggestions that their salaries and allowances were the lowest in the world. He emphasised, “NAMA, as a reputable agency, prides herself on ensuring sustainable welfare packages for her staff, especially the Air Traffic Controllers.”
Addressing the issue of an “unidentified” aircraft, NAMA explained, “The reported ‘unidentified’ aircraft is a security terminology. In real terms, the aircraft in question is known, but only to the ATC. The violation was in the interest of safety, as a result of adverse weather (serious thunderstorm) on the said date.” Farouk also mentioned that a circular issued by the NCAA was intended to guide airlines from straying into marked and published prohibited or restricted areas of Nigerian airspace.
NAMA criticised Hundeyin’s understanding of surveillance systems, stating, “It is obvious that the journalist in question does not understand the workings of the surveillance systems, hence his misconstrued and misguided information on Primary and Secondary Radar. The agency shall willfully volunteer information on her services to anyone who requires them at any time.”
Farouk reaffirmed NAMA’s commitment to providing safe, effective, economic, and efficient air navigation services in Nigeria. He assured, “The existence of robust, effective civil/military coordination and collaboration guarantees a secured airspace and air navigation. We are pleased to say that the Nigerian airspace is safe and secured.”