Nigeria’s aviation sector is facing a serious safety concern following a warning by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) that the country could soon lose effective aircraft monitoring due to failing radar infrastructure.
At the center of the issue is the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, which was commissioned over 20 years ago and has now exceeded its operational lifespan.
Once a critical backbone for real-time air traffic surveillance, the system is increasingly unreliable due to obsolete components, lack of spare parts, and limited upgrades.
According to NAMA’s Managing Director, Farouk Umar, several parts of the radar network are operating without backups, raising the risk of a total breakdown in surveillance capabilities.
He warned that without dependable radar systems, air traffic controllers may struggle to maintain safe separation between aircraft, increasing the chances of mid-air incidents and putting Nigeria at risk of falling short of global aviation safety standards.
Financial challenges are also compounding the problem. Umar noted that a 30% deduction from the agency’s internally generated revenue has significantly reduced its capacity to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure.
Rising operational costs, alongside outdated service charges, have further strained the system.
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Government officials have acknowledged the urgency of the situation and pledged intervention, though no concrete timeline for upgrades has been announced.
This development mirrors past challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, where similar infrastructure issues prompted major TRACON upgrades between 2008 and 2010, temporarily restoring effective airspace surveillance.
If swift action is not taken, experts warn that the country could face disruptions in air traffic management, with potential implications for passenger safety and international aviation compliance.
