NAMA’s Takeover of NAFIS Hangar: A Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Air Navigation Safety and Sovereignty

For years, Nigeria’s airspace management faced significant challenges in flight calibration, often relying on external expertise and equipment to ensure the accuracy of its navigational aids. This dependency created operational bottlenecks, financial burdens, and occasional delays in meeting international safety standards. The official handover of the Navigational Aids Flight Inspection and Surveillance (NAFIS) hangar from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) marks a decisive moment in the country’s journey toward airspace self-sufficiency.

The transfer, which included a grounded HS-125 calibration aircraft, a flight calibration laboratory, a power generator, and office facilities, represents the federal government’s commitment to repositioning NAMA as a global player in flight calibration services. The ceremony at Murtala Mohammed International Airport was more than a symbolic event—it was the culmination of years of strategic planning to enhance Nigeria’s aviation safety infrastructure.

Why the Takeover Was Necessary: Lessons from Past Challenges

In the past, Nigeria relied on foreign firms for flight calibration, a critical function that ensures the accuracy of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), Very High-Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR), and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). This external dependency often resulted in:

• Delays in Certification: Regulatory approvals and logistical issues slowed down calibration processes, affecting flight schedules and air safety compliance.
• High Costs: Outsourcing calibration services came with steep financial implications, increasing operational expenses for airlines and regulatory bodies.
• Operational Vulnerabilities: Without an indigenous team to handle calibration, technical failures sometimes led to extended downtimes at major airports.

A case in point was the 2019 calibration delays at key airports, including Lagos and Abuja, which forced airlines to operate under restricted visibility conditions. Similarly, the 2022 disruptions in flight operations due to expired calibration certificates underscored the urgent need for a sustainable in-house solution.

Strategic Implications of the Acquisition

With this takeover, NAMA is now empowered to independently calibrate and maintain Nigeria’s air navigation systems, reducing dependency on foreign contractors. Representative of the Managing Director, NAMA, Mrs. Terese Iheanacho, emphasized that the agency has developed a dedicated flight calibration crew capable of handling routine and commissioning calibrations. This initiative not only enhances efficiency but also positions Nigeria as a service provider in the broader African aviation market.

Moreover, this transition aligns with the federal government’s aviation modernization agenda, ensuring that Nigeria meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards without unnecessary delays. The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has reiterated its commitment to providing technical and financial support to NAMA to make the hangar fully operational.

Looking Ahead: A New Era in Airspace Management

The acquisition of the NAFIS hangar marks a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation industry. No longer at the mercy of foreign calibration service providers, the country now has a framework to ensure real-time inspections, cost-efficient operations, and improved air safety compliance.

As NAMA begins full control of the NAFIS facility, stakeholders in the aviation sector anticipate a future where flight calibrations are timely, cost-effective, and executed with the highest standards of professionalism. The move is not just about asset transfer; it is about reclaiming Nigeria’s airspace sovereignty and setting a precedent for self-reliance in critical aviation infrastructure.

Stay informed Stay ahead with The Ameh News