The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has rebutted recent allegations that Nigerian airports are unsafe and poorly maintained, affirming that the country’s aviation infrastructure meets international safety standards. According to Dr. Abdullahi Musa, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NAMA, all navigational aids and air traffic systems are regularly maintained, inspected, and calibrated in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices as well as Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
In a statement addressing public concerns, NAMA clarified that key systems such as Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), and other communication and surveillance technologies undergo frequent checks to ensure they remain accurate and reliable for flight operations. The agency also noted that variations in system categories — such as CAT I, II, or III ILS — depend on airport traffic, aircraft capability, and meteorological data, not on perceptions of prestige.
NAMA acknowledged that Harmattan weather conditions can pose operational challenges but stressed that these challenges are weather-related, not due to infrastructure failings. The agency attributed delays, diversions, and cancellations primarily to visibility and meteorological conditions, and reaffirmed its collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to provide timely updates for safe air traffic management.
Highlighting recent efforts, NAMA confirmed the completion of a nationwide calibration of flight systems in December 2025 and announced upcoming inspections at airports in Katsina, Jos, Ilorin, Yola, and Owerri early in the new year to ensure continued service quality. The agency’s stance underscores that Nigeria’s airspace remains safe, professionally managed, and in alignment with global best practices, urging public discussions about aviation to be informed and technically grounded
