The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has denied reports that the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) facility at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos had collapsed.
NAMA was reacting to a statement credited to its director of safety electronics and engineering services, Mr. Farouk Umar who said at a stakeholders’ forum held by airspace managers in Lagos on Tuesday that the agency had been unable to access spare parts for the facility built at the cost of €66,500,870 (about N27, 930, 365, 400).
Spokesman for NAMA, Mr. Khalid Amele said in a press statement said the “facility is working optimally” adding that Umar was quoted out of context.
“The intent of the director of engineering services was to highlight the fact that there was a delay in delivery of spares and not that there are no spares at all from the company. It was a misrepresentation.
“In fact, there has been ongoing discussions with Thales on the contractual agreement (sic). So, it is not true that we don’t have spares from them. They are doing repairs for us and you cannot do repairs without spares,” said Amele.
He said spare parts for the facility are regularly sourced from the manufacturer, Thales of France whenever required.
Besides, Amele said the agency would continue to provide state-of-the-art air navigation services without compromising safety of lives and equipment.
Emele further said that as at August 28, 2018, NAMA still received spares and quotation for more spares from Thales of France, adding that the agency has consistently had discussions on spares with the manufacturer.
