Nigeria may soon witness a major upgrade of its airspace surveillance infrastructure as the Federal Government renews its commitment to strengthening aviation safety following concerns raised by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) over ageing radar systems.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, disclosed that the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, a critical component of the nation’s air navigation services, is due for modernization after years of operation.

Speaking during a familiarisation visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Adam Kambari, Engr. Farouk explained that the TRACON system, deployed between 2008 and 2010, has served the country effectively but is now approaching the end of its technological lifecycle.

He noted that globally, aviation technology continues to evolve, making upgrades essential to maintain compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and ensure seamless air traffic management.

The TRACON project, commissioned in 2001 as a multi-billion-naira safety initiative, provides comprehensive radar surveillance across Nigeria through a network of nine radar sites, enabling real-time tracking and coordination of aircraft.

Despite the current limitations, Farouk highlighted ongoing efforts and strategic plans by NAMA to sustain operations while preparing for system upgrades.

He also pointed to broader challenges such as funding constraints, rising operational costs, and the need for enhanced manpower and training.

In response, Permanent Secretary Mahmoud Adam Kambari reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting aviation agencies and ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s airspace.

Kambari emphasized the importance of collaboration across agencies and announced plans to strengthen coordination through regular top management meetings involving key stakeholders in the aviation sector.

He further assured that staff welfare, training, and timely promotions would be prioritised to boost morale and productivity, noting that a motivated workforce is critical to achieving operational excellence.

“We will continue to support all agencies to succeed, ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation industry remains a key economic driver and a hub of global connectivity,” Kambari said.

He also commended Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar for his leadership, describing him as a seasoned professional guiding the agency through a critical phase.

The renewed focus on upgrading Nigeria’s surveillance systems underscores the government’s broader commitment to aligning the aviation sector with global best practices and sustaining its strong performance in ICAO evaluations.

Nigeria’s aviation sector has recorded a major milestone as Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, emerged as the fastest-growing airport in Africa in terms of air traffic movements.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, made this known during her closing address at the 2026 Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition in Luanda, Angola.

According to data presented at the conference, Lagos airport recorded an impressive 11.8 per cent growth in air traffic movements in 2025—the highest among Africa’s leading airports.

In cargo performance, the airport also ranked among the continent’s top performers with a remarkable 34.4 per cent increase, the highest within the Top 10.

Mrs. Kuku noted that the figures underscore Nigeria’s growing influence in the African aviation landscape, positioning the country as a key hub for air transport, logistics, and commerce.

“These are not just statistics; they reflect the growing strategic importance of Nigeria,” she said.

She further revealed that Nigeria has become Africa’s second-largest domestic passenger market, recording over 10.5 million passengers and a 10 per cent year-on-year growth.

Both Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and MMIA Lagos were ranked among Africa’s Top 10 for domestic passenger traffic.

Speaking on the broader outlook, Kuku emphasized that airports play a critical role beyond transportation, serving as drivers of economic growth, tourism, and regional integration.

The FAAN boss also used the platform to invite stakeholders across the continent to Abuja for the next ACI Africa conference scheduled for September 2026.

She assured delegates of Nigeria’s readiness to host, promising a memorable gathering that reflects the country’s renowned hospitality and growing aviation stature.

A prompt operational response helped contain the impact of a temporary technical fault affecting baggage screening at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Domestic Terminal in Abuja.

The disruption, which slowed baggage processing and aircraft loading, was traced to a malfunction in screening equipment within the terminal.

However, aviation authorities quickly deployed contingency measures, activating alternative screening procedures to ensure that flight operations continued safely.

In a statement issued by Management, officials acknowledged the inconvenience to passengers but stressed that the situation was being actively managed.

“We have proactively activated alternative screening procedures using available equipment to ensure flights continue operating safely,” the statement noted.

Although the additional checks have led to longer processing times and slight delays, ground personnel have been fully mobilised to assist passengers and prioritise flight departures.

The coordinated response underscores the aviation sector’s commitment to safety and operational efficiency, even in the face of unexpected technical challenges.

Authorities are currently working closely with airport engineers to resolve the issue and restore full baggage processing capacity.

Passengers have been thanked for their patience and cooperation, as efforts continue to normalise operations.

Industry observers note that such rapid intervention reflects improved crisis management frameworks within Nigeria’s aviation sector, helping to sustain confidence in airport operations.