Posted by Chinenye on Fri 10th Apr, 2026 - tori.ng
Nigeria’s skies are facing a silent crisis as the nation’s primary air traffic surveillance system, TRACON, teeters on the brink of total failure.
As the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) cautions that the nation may soon find it difficult to efficiently monitor airplanes due to aging radar technology, new worries are growing in Nigeria's aviation industry.
At the centre of the crisis is the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, long regarded as the backbone of the nation’s air traffic surveillance. Managing Director of NAMA, Farouk Umar, described the system as “terrible,” noting that many of its components have become obsolete, with little to no backup available.
He claims that the decades-old system is on the verge of complete collapse. Originally commissioned in 2001 and fully deployed by 2010, TRACON has exceeded its expected lifespan of about 10 years, with much of its technology now outdated globally. Umar warned that the implications are serious. Without reliable radar coverage, maintaining safe distances between aircraft becomes more difficult, increasing safety risks.
He added that Nigeria might find it difficult to compete in international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization if urgent upgrades are not made.
In addition to technological problems, NAMA is facing budgetary difficulties. Umar disclosed that a 30% Federal Government reduction from the organization's internal generated revenue is limiting its ability to maintain and upgrade critical systems. Rising operational costs, especially fuel for power generation, have further worsened the situation. He added that the agency still charges airlines N11,000 per flight, a rate unchanged since 2008, which is no longer sustainable amid inflation and rising costs. Efforts to review the charge have reportedly faced resistance.
The organization is faced with a lack of personnel, inadequate staff training,and growing debts owed by airlines and state-owned airports, all of which threaten its operational stability.
Mahmoud Kambari, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, responded to the concerns by recognizing the urgency and promising government assistance.