The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to address the growing trend of foreign aircraft entering Nigeria’s airspace without proper clearance. This action comes following concerns over repeated violations of national sovereignty and aviation safety protocols by unauthorized foreign flights.
A high-level inter-agency stakeholder meeting was held on Tuesday in Abuja, organized by the Federal Ministry of Defence. According to a statement from Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the Personal Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, the meeting brought together top officials from security, aviation, and defence sectors to find a solution to the problem.
The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, in partnership with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Also present were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, and representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Other key agencies in attendance included the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Dan-Wudil explained that this latest meeting followed earlier discussions held on November 11, 2024, at the Office of the National Security Adviser. He said Tuesday’s session was specifically focused on what was described as the “persistent pattern of unauthorized and often uncoordinated incursions into Nigerian airspace by foreign-operated aircraft and rotorcraft platforms.”
These unauthorized entries, according to the officials, pose serious threats to Nigeria’s airspace security and are considered direct violations of the country’s territorial sovereignty.
During the meeting, stakeholders reviewed the current capabilities of the country’s air defence system and the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) project. The TRACON system, which was introduced to provide radar surveillance of Nigeria’s airspace, is being reassessed in partnership between the Ministries of Defence and Aviation.
The ministers stressed the importance of having a coordinated response to these violations. They also discussed measures to upgrade the country’s air surveillance and enforcement capacity in line with global best practices.
In their joint statement, the ministers made it clear that Nigeria will not tolerate any form of aerial intrusion. They reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to defend the nation’s airspace with the same level of seriousness as its land and sea borders.
“The protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity is a top priority for the Federal Government. Any unauthorized entry into our airspace will be viewed as a violation of national security,” the statement read.
According to the officials, some of these unauthorized flights may not only violate civil aviation rules but could also involve surveillance or other activities that endanger national security.
The government is now working on strategies to strengthen coordination among aviation, intelligence, and defence agencies. A joint task force may be established to monitor airspace more closely and respond more swiftly to suspicious aircraft activity.
This move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which includes stronger national defence, improved border control, and a modernized aviation sector. The President is said to be fully committed to securing Nigeria’s airspace and preventing any external threat from going unchecked.
Security analysts believe that with Nigeria’s position in West Africa and its growing geopolitical relevance, the nation cannot afford to overlook threats from above. Experts say airspace management is now just as important as land or maritime defence, especially with the rise in use of advanced aerial technologies by both state and non-state actors.
While no specific foreign aircraft or country was mentioned during the meeting, sources familiar with air traffic control say several incidents involving unapproved foreign helicopters and private jets have been recorded in recent months. These incidents often go unreported but have raised red flags within Nigeria’s security circles.
As deliberations continue, the Federal Government has promised that actions will be taken swiftly and decisively to ensure Nigeria’s airspace is fully protected at all times.
