The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) recently engaged in discussions to address the surge in airspace violations, particularly in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
Both entities underscored the importance of upholding safety and security standards in the Nigerian airspace, while emphasising adherence to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines, specifically as detailed in Section 4444 of the Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Air Traffic Management (PANS-ATM). These guidelines establish standardised procedures to ensure the safe, efficient and orderly flow of global air traffic.
The meeting, held at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, was prompted by recent instances of aircraft encroaching upon No-Fly Zones within the national airspace. Violations of restricted areas pose significant risks to aviation operations and national security.
During the meeting, NAMA’s managing director, Engr Farouk Umar emphasised the necessity of educating airlines and pilots on adhering to established protocols, attentively following air traffic controllers’ instructions, and implementing robust security measures.
“The paramount objective is to guarantee the safety, efficiency, and dependability of air travel in our airspace. Striving to comply strictly with the ICAO guidelines, especially as delineated in Section 4444 of the Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Air Traffic Management (PANS-ATM), as adopted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in the Nig. CARS Part 14 (2023), alongside security protocols and the specified no-fly zones in the AIP, is essential,” stated Umar.
The NAMA chief stressed the significance of strict adherence to the designated prohibited areas and NOTAMed no-fly zones, as published in the Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP), to enhance the security and safety of air navigation within the country.
Similarly, in his comments, the DSS Director of Security Enforcement, Steve Ojelade, reiterated that no-fly zones are non-negotiable, emphasizing that violations by airspace users could result in severe repercussions, potentially including military intervention to protect national security assets.
