CHUKS OKOH
The President of National Air Traffic Communicators Association of Nigeria (NACAN) Alhaji Rabiu Mohammed Sani, has called for more cooperation from the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA in the area of Aero-Comms capacity building and friendly work environment .
Sani, who is the acting general manager Aero Comms NAMA, made this call while delivering a paper on the occasion marking the Communications Day in Abuja, also appealed for increased budget allocations for both local and foreign trainings for NACAN members.
Sani also requested the strengthening and modernising of voice and data communication systems to enable the professionals perform optimally in conformity with ICAO international standards.
“Agency can leverage on the opportunities and connections Aero- Comms has established with organisations within and outside the aviation industry to enhance knowledge and information sharing. Key partners include: the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to the general manager, Aero-Comms is about connecting NAMA to a global ecosystem of professionals across various fields.
While appreciating the Managing Director of NAMA for his efforts in supporting the Aero-Comms to regain its glory, Sani, called for intervention of the management on the AMHS system Contract, which appears to be taking far longer than expected.
He lamented that the project has been ongoing for more than twenty years, long before they joined the Agency adding that it continued to be a mirage as every inquiry is met with the same response: ‘90% completed’
The NACAN boss then appealed for a comprehensive review and investigation into the project to end the long-awaited project delivered for the benefit of Nigeria’s airspace safety and the global aviation community.
Sani further noted that the High Frequency(HF) radios across the country have become obsolete and further appealed to Management to provide all 29 Aero-Comms centres/offices nationwide with modernised HF radio systems to ensure seamless transmission of flight safety messages, meteorological reports, flight information messages, emergency traffic, search-and-rescue.
Sani appreciated the MD/CE of NAMA, Engr. Ahmed Umar Faruk, for his remarkable leadership and numerous achievements and his vital role in stabilising the Aeronautical Communications Department and ensuring its continuity following the exit of the former GM, Alhaji Danjuma Usman Bawa.
He commended the Director of Air Traffic Services for his continuous support, guidance and fatherly role within the Directorate and that of Corporate Services, for always standing with Aero-Comms whenever the need arose.