Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has dismissed claims that the Nigerian airspace is not covered by Radar system, explaining why an ‘unidentified’ aircraft was seen hovering over the presidential villa recently.
NAMA stated that the ‘unidentified’ aircraft is a security terminology, adding that in real terms, the aircraft in question is known, but only to the Air Traffic Controllers.
“The violation was in the interest of safety, as a result of adverse weather (serious thunderstorm) on the said date,” the agency said in it’s statement.
“The purported circular issued by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is for airlines to be guided from straying into the marked and published prohibited or restricted areas of the Nigerian airspace.”
This is coming after the NCAA in a recent letter to aircraft owners and operators disclosed that an unidentified aircraft was seen hovering over the presidential villa recently.
In a statement by NAMA, it stated that its attention has been drawn to a television interview / report by a journalist (David Hundeyin) on News Central whereby some claims were made.
The agency stated that 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.
“Yes, it is true that the TRACON system, like any other electronics systems, is undergoing an upgrade of software and modernisation to meet the ever growing demand for efficient, effective and seamless air traffic management services.
“Furthermore, the welfare of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers in terms of salaries and allowances is not in contention, as to suggest that it is the lowest in the world. NAMA, as a reputable agency, prides herself at ensuring sustainable welfare packages for her staff, especially the Air Traffic Controllers,” the agency said.
The agency said it is committed to her responsibility to provide safe, effective, economic, and efficient air navigation services in Nigeria.
“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,” it added.