The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has taken a major step toward modernising the country’s aviation communication infrastructure by assessing advanced communication technology at a leading factory in Germany.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr. Abdullahi Musa, NAMA revealed that a delegation led by its Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, is currently at the Rhode & Schwarz facility in Germany for an on-the-spot evaluation.
The visit, facilitated by Nigerian contractor Deo Makro Ltd, is part of efforts to procure high-quality air-to-ground communication systems aimed at improving aviation safety and coverage across Nigeria.
According to the statement, “As part of the project, NAMA will be deploying the Rohde & Schwarz High-Frequency (HF) transceiver, equipped with advanced signal processing algorithms that significantly reduce the noise levels typically associated with traditional HF systems.”
The new communication systems will significantly boost long-distance communication for air traffic controllers, especially in areas where existing Very High Frequency (VHF) systems fall short.
“This technology leap is expected to boost the long-range air-to-ground communications capabilities across the Nigerian airspace. It is specifically designed to address the range limitations of the current VHF systems,” the statement added.
The new HF equipment will be particularly helpful in improving communication coverage over difficult and distant areas such as the Gulf of Guinea, the deep Atlantic Ocean, and the northern desert regions beyond the Kano Flight Information Region.
During the assessment tour in Germany, Engr. Farouk expressed optimism about what the upgrade means for Nigeria’s aviation sector. He noted that this is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader plan to modernise national infrastructure and enhance aviation safety.
“This move aligns with the President’s commitment towards enhancing the safety of the sector through upgrading and modernising airspace infrastructure,” he said.
The planned deployment of this new technology will place Nigeria among African countries leading in aviation safety and airspace management, especially at a time when global air traffic is steadily increasing.
Experts say clear and reliable communication between pilots and air traffic controllers is essential for flight safety, particularly in emergencies or when aircraft are flying across oceans or deserts with limited coverage.
Industry stakeholders welcomed the news, describing it as a much-needed improvement that could reduce flight delays, strengthen air navigation, and help prevent potential incidents in remote parts of Nigeria’s controlled airspace.
The visit to Germany is expected to result in a formal agreement for equipment delivery and installation in Nigeria in the coming months.
NAMA also assured the public that it is committed to adopting the best technologies that will keep Nigeria’s skies safe, efficient, and in line with international standards.
