The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami has touted the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) as a sure way to improve navigation through Nigeria’s airspace.
Pantami said this during the two-day SBAS Flight Demonstration and Outreach workshop in Abuja, hosted by Nigeria – Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) – in collaboration with several international partners – Joint Programme Office of the Satellite Navigation for Africa, European Union Global Action on Space, Augmented Navigation for Africa (ANGA) and others – themed: “Workshop on SBAS Implementation Aviation on Africa.”
SBAS satellite covers part of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, as well as parts of Asia and Europe. Nigeria’s satellite, Pantami said, can provide navigation overlay services.
“The Nigerian Communications Satellite can support the implementation of the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS); not only in Nigeria but across Africa’s 54 countries. African nations must consider the Nigerian Communication Satellite when the need arises.
“The deployment of SBAS by using the navigation overlay services will significantly improve signal accuracy, availability and integrity. This shows that communication and digital technology is the key enablers of all other sectors as security, defence, health, agriculture, education and aviation sectors depend on digital technology.
“I have directed the NIGCOMSAT to collaborate and reach out to the aviation sector to ensure successful implementation of SBAS in Africa,” he stressed.
In his speech, the managing director of NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Engr. Tukur Lawal added that NIGCOMSAT has plans to contribute its quota to the digital economy and industrial revolution by exploring more opportunities locally and internationally.
“For NIGCOMSAT Ltd to contribute its quota in the digital economy and industrial revolution, we cannot remain in the comfort zone; rather, we must look for areas of exploring the market both local and international. We will give all the support needed and innovations that will meet and convert all weaknesses into successes.
“NIGCOMSAT satellite base will cover the whole of Africa, Europe and Asia.
“[The aim of] SBAS is to improve safety, continuity, sustainability and efficiency, to give accurate information to pilots as they approach airport and [as a] system to use our satellite,” he said.
Lawal stressed the need for the different agencies of government, as well as regional and international partners, to collaborate towards the success of the SBAS’ utilisation.
In an interview, the acting managing director, NAMA, Capt. Pwajak Lawrence hailed the satellite system as being “more accurate, reliable, available and having a continuous signal”.
