Ahead of the International Civil Aviation (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) expected to begin by the end of August, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has conducted validation flights of Instrument Flight Procedures at all the international airports across the country.
The exercise is to ensure compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
Also the agency has rounded off calibration of navigational aids at major airports in the country and commissioned newly installed ones in Maiduguri and Minna airports.
Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Tayib Odunowo who made this known in a statement saying that all required documents like Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP), Operation Manuals, Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with other agencies including military and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) have been reviewed and forwarded to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for approval.
Odunowo also noted that critical manpower has been boosted at major airports across the country.
The Chief Executive Officer also expressed satisfaction with the preparedness and compliance level of the agency ahead of the audit.
The NAMA MD who led his management team on inspection tour of navigational aids at the Mallam Aminu Kano Airport, Kano, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, noted with delight the dedication to duty and commitment of staff of the agency towards ensuring that all identified gaps in the safety-critical and operational areas were being closed.
The NAMA boss also reiterated the need for units and departments to work in synergy and harmony, saying “only a united NAMA can ensure we attain our set goals and objectives.”
The facilities inspected include the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) sites, control towers, mobile control towers, Air Traffic Control 3-D Tower Simulator at Centrex Lagos, as well as administrative offices.
Other facilities assessed were ongoing projects where Odunowo charged contractors to ensure speedy completion of work. Meanwhile, the Managing Director and his management team are billed to also visit Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu in the next few days, in continuation of the facility assessment tour.
