Capt Mahmoud, Others Call for Overhaul of Obsolete Navigational Aids, Security at Nation’s Airports

 By LEO ALIGWO,Lagos 

An Indigenous aircraft pilot, Captain Ahmad Mahmaoud has taken a strong look at the current state of nation’s 25 operational airports and called for thorough overhaul of obsolete navigational aids, installation of modern ones and improvement of security net work at the gateways to save lives and property.

He lamented that aside the four international airports at Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt the remaining 21 aerodromes lack Instrument Landing System (ILS) for effective day and night flight operations.

Captain Mahmoud who works for the United Nigeria Airline, made the call during an interactive section of the 2024 annual two-day seminar of Air traffic Control (ATC)-Pilot Forum which kicked off yesterday at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja.

He hinted that the frequent cases of flight delays and cancellations were due to the above listed factors; hence flight services to most of the airports were restricted to sunset known as visual landing following to issues of approaches.

He bitterly complained at o the 25 existing gateways only the four international airports are usually open to flight services on 24/7 basis.

Continuing, he revealed that although the runway 118 Right have been reopened after repairs, it is yet to be upgraded to cat 11 repairs.

Also contributing, a representative of the Flight Crew Association of Nigeria, Capt. Isa Simon, called for urgent implementation of modern aviation technology to enable Nigeria catch up with modern trend in aviation worldwide.

In his words, “We pilots are very versatile and well trained; we are always ready, and moving with the latest technology. All the training as a pilot is hinged on safety”.

Similarly, Mr. Haske Jisrin, Special Assistant to the Managing Director AND Chief Executive (MD/CE), Engr. Faruk Umar, harped on the need for the government to pay serious attention to area of emerging technology and specialization, emphasizing that people needed to be trained rather than rely on traditional knowledge to execute their assignment.

Also, the Nigeria Air Space Director, Director of Air Traffic Services, Jato John, who represented the Managing Director, NAMA, Engr. Faruk, revealed that a total of 203 Air Traffic Controllers (ATC’s) are not presently undergoing training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, but their medical allowance had been increased to 300 per cent.

In addition, Jato assured that other issues affecting their welfare would be addressed before the end of the year, stressing that the theme of the seminar, “Building Safety Capabilities for the Future”, clearly underscores the vision of NAMA boss.

Responding to questions, the director of Aerodrome and Safety Standards, Godwin Balang, who represented the Director General (DG), NCAA, Capt. Najomo Chris, reiterated that the Federal Administration Authority (FAA) of U.S will commence the annual security audit of Nigerian airports effective from March 11 to 21 March 2024.

According to Balang, the FAA team is already working in Abuja, and would visit Lagos as a follow up of the audit, adding that FAAN has the responsibility to provide security for all the airports nationwide.

He also hinted that all the papers filed on licensing to the NCAA were currently being scanned.

In his good will message, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Industry, Festus Keyamo, remarked that the theme of the seminar was of paramount importance to him because safety occupies top position in Five-POINTS Agenda to the industry on assumption of office.

To this end, Keyamo who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Henry Agbebire, he expressed the believe that the seminar would serve as a catalyst to address to the myriad problems of the industry rather than end as a talk show.