Key players in the aviation industry are dissatisfied with the Federal Government’s decision to exclude the Nigerian Air Force from the procurement of airport surveillance equipment. Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika announced on Twitter that the government had procured one of nine primary radar units intended to enhance the safety, security, and efficiency of the country’s aviation sector. Sirika emphasized that this acquisition aligns with President (retired) Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for aviation, which has focused on safe, secure, and efficient air travel since 2015.
However, concerns were raised by Group Capt. John Ojikutu, CEO of Centurion Security, during a conversation with our correspondent in Abuja. Ojikutu questioned why the Ministry of Aviation purchased the airspace‑surveillance radar without involving the Nigerian Air Force, noting that airspace surveillance is a joint operation between the Civil Air Traffic Control System and the Air Force. He argued that procurement should be coordinated between the two agencies. Ojikutu also warned that the purchase comes at a time when the government is already burdened with substantial local and foreign debt, potentially forcing Nigeria to rely on creditor nations for the radars. He stated, “It is curious that the minister is buying airspace surveillance radar without the inclusion or knowledge of the Nigerian Air Force. No country does that. Airspace surveillance is a joint operation between the civil ATCS and the Air Force. It is also worrisome that the minister, not the responsible agency NAMA, is handling the purchase, especially without coordination with the NAF.”
Capt. Roland Iyayi, CEO of Top Brass Aviation, offered a historical perspective, noting that the aviation ministry is now carrying out duties originally assigned in 2006 under the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) project. “In 2006, the TRACON project included four primary radars, but some officials removed them, leaving NAMA with only secondary radars,” Iyayi explained. “When I became MD of NAMA, I insisted on reinstating the original primary radars, but that did not happen. If we are installing primary radars now, it is something that should have occurred in 2006, so there is nothing major about this.” He added that the global trend is moving away from traditional radars toward multilateral technologies, which are newer and more cost‑effective. Iyayi noted that the same minister has decided to use this technology in the Niger Delta, where many helicopters operate, and expects it to be expanded nationwide. While he welcomed the development, he cautioned that it arrived late and urged the government to take procurement more seriously.
Meanwhile, Olumide Ohunayo, Assistant Secretary General of the Aviation Round‑Table, praised the government’s efforts to secure the nation’s airspace. He highlighted the importance of having reliable equipment to detect aircraft and called for the remaining units to be supplied promptly, ensuring that Nigeria’s airspace remains well protected amid current security challenges.
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