The President, National Air Traffic Communicators Association of Nigeria (NACAN), Alhaji Rabiu Mohammed Sani, has raised concerns about political interference within the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), calling it a potential time bomb.
Sani urged the Minister of Aviation and stakeholders to urgently rescue the Air Traffic Communications Department from extinction, highlighting the detrimental impact of undue interference from the Air Traffic Service Directorate.
During the 10th NACAN AGM in Kano, he criticized individuals within the directorate for prioritizing personal interests over the aviation system and national interests, citing a previous incident where such behavior caused a global catastrophe.
The NACAN President expressed worry about a department untrained in Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) responsibilities being directed to handle such tasks, emphasizing the negative repercussions on the aviation industry’s image before ICAO and the international community.
Sani called for the reversal of these actions, emphasizing the rigorous training Aeronautical Communicators undergo and accusing the Directorate of taking sides instead of upholding the right standards.
He appealed to the Director of Air Traffic Services to reconsider these decisions in the interest of public safety.
The NACAN President also lamented the non-completion of the ATS Message Handling System (AMHS) installations project in major airports, stressing the urgency for attention and proper engagement by NAMA and the aviation ministry.
Sani highlighted the stark contrast with other countries where similar systems were successfully implemented.
Acknowledging the growth in the Nigerian airspace, Sani appreciated the contributions of Kano state governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, for supporting education with over 30% of the budget.
He also expressed gratitude to Yobe state’s Governor Mai Mala Buni, whose administration sponsored candidates for Aeronautical Communications at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria now employed by NAMA.
