Nigeria’s aviation sector is under growing pressure as authorities warn that weakening radar infrastructure could soon compromise the country’s ability to monitor aircraft effectively.
Rising concerns over airspace surveillance
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) raised the alarm on April 10, 2026, highlighting that its Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system—commissioned over two decades ago—has exceeded its operational lifespan.
Experts say the system, once a backbone for real-time aircraft tracking, is now struggling due to obsolete components, lack of spare parts, and limited technical upgrades. This development raises safety concerns for air traffic control operations nationwide.
“Our surveillance system is deteriorating” — NAMA
“Our area of urgent attention includes air traffic surveillance services. The TRACON system has aged significantly, and many of its components are now obsolete without replacements. Some parts are operating without backup, which puts our airspace at serious risk of losing effective surveillance,” said NAMA Managing Director, Farouk Umar.
He explained that without reliable radar systems, maintaining safe distances between aircraft becomes more difficult, increasing the risk of mid-air incidents and non-compliance with international aviation standards.
Funding challenges and government response
“Financial constraints are worsening the situation. A 30 per cent deduction from our internally generated revenue affects our ability to maintain critical infrastructure. Operational costs have increased, yet our service charges remain outdated, making sustainability difficult,” Umar added.
Responding, government officials acknowledged the urgency and pledged support.
This situation echoes past concerns, as Nigeria’s aviation sector previously faced similar infrastructure issues before TRACON upgrades between 2008 and 2010 temporarily improved surveillance capabilities.
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