The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has reassured the public the Nigeria’s airspace remains safe and professionally managed, despite the operational challenges associated with Harmattan weather.
In a statement, the agency said while seasonal weather conditions can affect flight operations, saying such challenges does not reflect poor maintenance of landing facilities or compromised air navigation safety.
NAMA stressed that all navigational aids at federal airports are routinely maintained, inspected and calibrated in strict compliance with international aviation standards and Nigeria’s civil aviation regulations.
According to the agency, these mandatory safety checks are carried out by highly trained personnel using dedicated calibration aircraft, under the continuous oversight of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
It added that the serviceability status of navigational aids is openly published for airlines and pilots, and that recent nationwide calibration exercises have ensured systems across the country remain within approved safety limits.
NAMA also dismissed claims that the absence of CAT III instrument landing systems at most Nigerian airports poses a safety risk, explaining that global aviation practice supports the use of CAT I and CAT II systems where they are operationally appropriate.
The agency noted that historical weather data show Harmattan visibility levels in Nigeria are adequately covered by existing CAT II procedures, which safely support aircraft operations during the season.
The agency emphasized that flight delays or diversions during Harmattan are largely driven by weather conditions and airline operational decisions, not by failure of navigational infrastructure.
According to the airspace manager, it works closely with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency to provide accurate weather information and real-time air traffic support throughout the period.
It assured passengers and the general public that Nigeria’s airspace meets global best practices, and that Harmattan weather, while challenging, does not in any way diminish safety standards.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen