NCAA confirms TRACON Footage IDs violators, reassures on Airspace Safety
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA has confirmed radar footage of the two recent airspace violations in Abuja.
The Authority said it has full details of the identities of the aircraft and operators involved in the two violations cases.
This successful identification the Authority attributed to the functionality of Nigeria’s Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system. Specifically, the Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radars located in Abuja.
Ag Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, further stated that the Authority investigated recent violations in the prohibited flight zones (DNP4) in Abuja. Both violations involved controlled flights in controlled airspace, which strayed into restricted zones due to adverse weather.
In a signed statement, Captain Najomo clarified that the term “unknown aircraft” is standard security terminology reported to the NCAA. NCAA confirms radar footage of violators.
This clarification became necessary following reports that labelled Nigeria’s airspace as unsafe without explaining the technical terminology used. Captain Najomo explained, “For clarity, the Primary Surveillance Radar identifies aircraft as moving targets without revealing their identity. The Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR), a key TRACON component, identifies aircraft equipped with ATC Mode ‘S’ transponders.”
Additionally, Najomo emphasised that upgrading Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, such as radar systems, is standard global practice.
He said, “Five additional MSSR stations in Obubra, Ilorin, Talata Mafara, Maiduguri, and Numan support the TRACON at four major locations.
“We must update these systems regularly as technology evolves, and the Authority’s continuous oversight has found NAMA effective in this regard.”
Moreover, Captain Najomo also cited international standards for aircraft in controlled airspace. He stressed a rule: all controlled airspace aircraft must have functioning ATC transponders.
This aligns with international regulations (Annex 6, Convention on International Aviation) and is documented in Part 7 of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations. Turning it off in controlled airspace is a violation and security breach.
Furthermore, he stressed that the NCAA will enforce this with appropriate actions, including possible criminal referral.
Speaking on welfare, Captain Najomo acknowledged recent interventions to improve remuneration and working conditions for Air Traffic Controllers.
Moreover, he stated that the NCAA had intervened in a dispute between ATCOs and NAMA regarding the need for better remuneration and working conditions.
