Nosa Aituamen
As the global aviation community marks World Aeronautical Information Service Day (WAISD) today, the President, Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN), Dr. Ibrahim Audu, has appealed to the federal government to review its policy on the 50 percent revenue deduction from aviation agencies.
He said this financial strain has hindered the replacement of obsolete facilities and slowed critical developmental efforts in the sector.
Speaking on the 2025 WAISD theme, “Safeguarding the Skies: The Vital Role of Secured Aeronautical Information in Aviation Safety,” Dr. Audu emphasized the need for Nigeria to invest more significantly in Aeronautical Information Services (AIS), particularly through automation.
According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s AIS infrastructure lags behind neighboring countries and warned that continued neglect could compromise aviation safety and operational efficiency.
Dr. Audu expressed concern that the prolonged delay in implementing AIS automation has limited the nation’s ability to modernize its systems.
He noted that the automation process would introduce tools such as the Geographic Information System (GIS), digital NOTAM systems, and automated weather observation, all of which are vital for providing accurate, real-time data to pilots and air traffic controllers.
Dr. Audu credited the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) for its recent interventions in replacing outdated navigation, communication, and surveillance equipment but stressed that full automation remains a pressing necessity.
The AIMAN president called for urgent support to complete the AIS automation process, which has been pending for several years.
Highlighting progress within the association, he announced that a licensing committee, chaired by Mr. Patrick Afatapa, had achieved major milestones towards licensing AIS officers.
Assuring members that the association remains committed to securing professional recognition and confidence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Dr. Audu also noted that in light of Nigeria hosting the International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Associations (IFAIMA) conference in 2025, this year’s World AIS Day celebrations will be held at the station level across the country.
He urged all AIMAN members to register and participate in the international event, which he described as an opportunity to add value to the profession and improve the flow of aeronautical information in line with ICAO’s Annex 15 standards.
World AIS Day, first observed in 1953, celebrates the vital contributions of Aeronautical Information Services to global air navigation.
AIMAN, as an affiliate of IFAIMA, continues to advocate for enhanced safety, regularity, and efficiency in international airspace through accurate and timely information dissemination.