As the International Civil Aviation (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) kicks off month end, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has conducted validation flights of instrument flight procedures at all the international airports in the country to ensure compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
The managing director of NAMA, Mr Tayib Odunowo disclosed this in a statement in Lagos.
Odunowo said all the required documents like Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP), operation manuals, MOUs with other agencies including military and service level agreements had been reviewed and forwarded to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for approval.
He also noted that critical manpower has been boosted at major airports across the country.
Odunowo also expressed satisfaction with the preparedness and compliance level of the agency ahead of the audit.
The managing director who was accompanied by his management team, inspected 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.
He 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, Engr Odunowo 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.
