NCAA refutes claims of insecure Nigerian Airspace, affirms full radar coverage
By Innocent Raphael
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has addressed recent claims suggesting that the Nigerian airspace is insecure due to a lack of radar coverage.
In a statement issued and signed by its Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, the NCAA labeled the claims as unfounded and has sought to reassure the public of the airspace’s safety.
The NCAA also backed the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency’s (NAMA) assertion regarding the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), disclosing that an investigation into two recent airspace violations in Abuja revealed that adverse weather conditions caused controlled flights to stray into restricted zones.
The statement added that NAMA’s radar systems successfully tracked these incidents, providing full details of the aircraft involved, thanks to the functional Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radars in Abuja, with similar systems operational in Lagos, Kano, and Port-Harcourt.
The NCAA clarified that the term “unknown aircraft” used in an All Operators Letter (AOL DGCA/021/24) referred to standard security terminology. Contrary to the claims, NAMA’s radar systems had complete records of the aircraft involved in the violations.
The aviation authority also explained the capabilities of radar systems, noting that the Primary Surveillance Radar identifies aircraft as moving targets without providing their identity.
While pointing out that the Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR), part of TRACON, can identify any aircraft equipped with an ATC Mode ‘S transponder, it noted that aircraft in controlled airspace are required to have functional transponders, in line with international standards and Nigerian regulations.
According to the NCAA, violations, such as turning off transponders in controlled airspace, are serious breaches that could lead to sanctions or criminal referrals.
Addressing the welfare of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs), the NCAA revealed it recently mediated between ATCOs and NAMA for better remuneration and working conditions, stating that the move aligns with the Honourable Minister’s five-point agenda focused on capacity development and extends to other aviation professionals.
“To enhance aviation infrastructure, five additional MSSR stations are being established at Obubbra, Ilorin, Talata Mafara, Maiduguri, and Numan. These will supplement the existing radar centers, ensuring complete national coverage.
“This upgrade is part of the Minister’s five-point agenda on infrastructure and is supported by NCAA’s ongoing oversight,” it read.
The NCAA further emphasized that technology upgrades are routine and necessary, with NAMA and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development working on enhancements to Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure.
The aviation authority concluded by assuring the public that all necessary measures are in place to maintain safe and secure air navigation across Nigeria’s airspace.
