Members of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE), at the weekend, called for more funding for the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in a bid to improve the functionality of Navigational aids across the country.
President of the association, Engr .Selzing Miri said other aviation agencies also need increased funding in order to meet up with the emerging technologies, lamenting that the 50 percent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) deduction has negatively impacted performance of agencies in terms of facility upgrade and acquisition.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the association in Abuja, with the theme: The Integration of AI in CNS/ATM Systems: Economic Implications for the Aviation Industry – The Role of ATSEPs, he urged the government to re-consider its stand on policies that were not developmental, calling also for investment on trainings and retraining of personnel.
“As we delve into this fascinating and rapidly evolving field, we must acknowledge the challenges that we currently face as a result of the economic situation in our country. The aviation industry, like many sectors, has not been immune to the economic hardships we are experiencing. The rising costs, budget constraints, and limited resources have put a strain on our ability to innovate and modernize our CNS/ATM systems effectively”.
Miri urged them in the face of these challenges, to embrace new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to optimize their operations, enhance safety, and improve efficiency adding that the integration of AI in CNS/ATM systems holds immense potential to revolutionize how ‘we manage air traffic, predict and prevent potential safety hazards, and streamline our processes.’
“Let us collaborate, innovate, and adapt to the changing landscape of aviation. Let us work together to overcome the economic challenges we face, leverage the power of AI in revolutionizing our CNS/ATM systems, and position our industry for sustainable growth and success”
Earlier, Managing director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, said the management is not unaware of the deploring state of some facilities in the navigational systems assuring that frantic efforts were being made to address them.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant Operations, Jibril Haske, Farouk said the theme of AGM could not have been more timely as it captures a critical aspect of the transformation shaping global aviation and challenges us as professionals to re- position ourselves strategically in this new era.
Farouk outlined some of the achievements made so far to reposition NAMA to include, capacity development.with extensive training programmes for all categories of staff, including members of NAAE and renovation and reconstruction of several NAMA buildings and offices across various stations while staff promotion and welfare package was released which cut across all directorates.
“We have completed the rehabilitation of 12 Control Towers across the country, ensuring improved service delivery and operational efficiency.
“To enhance safety and efficiency, we have procured and installed Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at various airports nationwide”, he added.
He noted that the Role of Artificial Intelligence in aviation transformation is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and the aviation sector is no exception adding that in Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) and Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Farouk commended the minister of aviation and Aerospace development for his encouragement and guidance which have been instrumental in driving efforts to transform the Nigerian Airspace.
