NAMA trains Aeronautical Communications Officers to boost air

Aeronautical Communications Officers across Nigerian airports have been urged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, vigilance and service excellence as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) intensifies efforts to strengthen aviation safety through sustained capacity development and technology upgrades.

The call came as the National Air Traffic Communicators Association of Nigeria (NACAN) graduated participants of the Aeronautical Mobile Service Course No. 8 (AMS-08) at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

President of NACAN, Alhaji Rabiu Mohammed Sani, commended the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Umar Farouk, for what he described as unprecedented support for manpower development in the agency.

Sani said Farouk had approved and fully funded a series of professional training programmes, including AO-33, AO-34, ACO-45, ACO-46, AMS-08, AMS-09 and the Crisis Communication Management (CCM) course, with all tuition fees settled by the agency.

“As I speak, the CCM course graduated a few weeks ago, AMS-08 is graduating today, while ACO-45 will also graduate in the coming weeks. There has never been a time in the history of NAMA when the Aeronautical Communications Department has enjoyed such unprecedented support and opportunities,” he said.

He disclosed that the NAMA management also sponsored 15 aeronautical communications officers to Germany for specialised Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS) factory training at Indra Avitech, describing the programme as a major step towards modernising Nigeria’s air navigation communication infrastructure.

According to him, the agency has directed the immediate deployment and operationalisation of the AMHS platform, with implementation already underway following the officers’ return from the training.

Sani further revealed that NAMA had approved the procurement of modern high-performance communication radio equipment for all operational stations across the country.

He said Abuja and Kano stations had already received the new equipment, while installations in other airports would follow in phases.

As part of the rollout, he explained that the agency would first establish AMHS connectivity between Lagos and Kano before extending the network to other domestic airports.

The next phase, he added, would involve linking Nigeria’s communication network with neighbouring Flight Information Regions, including Niamey, Libreville, Brazzaville, N’Djamena, Accra, Cotonou and Douala, to strengthen regional air navigation coordination.

Sani stressed that the role of aeronautical communications officers in ensuring safe, efficient and reliable air navigation services had become increasingly critical as air traffic continues to expand.

He congratulated the graduating officers and urged them to apply the knowledge, technical skills and professional values acquired during the training in carrying out their responsibilities.

“I confidently describe the AMS-08 Class as an executive class in recognition of your outstanding performance, discipline and commitment throughout your training at NCAT, Zaria,” he said.