Nigeria’s aviation authorities are raising serious concerns about the country’s ability to effectively monitor its airspace as critical radar systems grow old and increasingly unreliable. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has warned that outdated surveillance equipment could soon threaten safe air traffic management across the nation.
At the centre of the issue is the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, a multibillion-naira project designed to provide full radar surveillance of Nigeria’s skies. Installed between 2008 and 2010, the system has already exceeded its expected 10-year operational lifespan, leaving aviation authorities struggling with obsolete components, missing spare parts, and limited backup support.
Air traffic controllers who rely on TRACON for real-time aircraft monitoring are increasingly worried about the system’s reliability. During a recent meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Farouk Umar, Managing Director of NAMA, described the current state of the surveillance infrastructure as far from ideal.
According to reports, the TRACON project was first launched in 2001 and later installed nationwide to give controllers a complete view of aircraft movements across Nigerian airspace. For years, it served as the backbone of the country’s air traffic monitoring system.
However, its effectiveness has now significantly declined.
“Our immediate concern is air traffic surveillance,” Umar explained. “The TRACON system has aged. Many of its components are obsolete, spare parts are unavailable, and most of the equipment is operating without backup. This puts our airspace at risk of losing reliable surveillance.”
He added that technology used in the system has become outdated globally, with many countries already moving to more advanced monitoring systems.
Without a dependable radar network, maintaining safe separation between aircraft becomes far more challenging, increasing safety risks in Nigeria’s already complex aviation environment. It could also make it harder for the country to meet global aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Funding and Revenue Challenges
Beyond the technical problems, NAMA is also battling serious financial constraints. Umar revealed that a 30% deduction by the Federal Government from the agency’s internally generated revenue has further strained its ability to maintain and upgrade critical systems.
He also pointed out that the agency’s air navigation charges have remained unchanged for years.
“Since 2008, airlines have been paying just ₦11,000 per aircraft per flight,” Umar said. “That rate is no longer realistic, but every time we attempt to review it, there is strong resistance. Yet maintaining this equipment requires significant funding.”
The agency also faces shortages of trained personnel and limited opportunities for technical training, which further complicates efforts to maintain the ageing infrastructure.
In response, Mahmoud Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Aviation Ministry, assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to strengthening the sector and ensuring Nigeria meets international aviation standards.
“We will continue to work closely with all aviation agencies to ensure they succeed,” Kambari said. “Nigeria’s aviation industry must remain a strong economic driver and a major hub for global connectivity.”
