From Idu Jude, Abuja
The Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN) has called on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to intensify efforts towards implementing the Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) automation in Nigeria.
The former president of AIMAN, William Ngerem, who made the call in his address to mark the 2024 World AIS Day in Lagos, appreciated Keyamo for facilitating the approval of a N40 billion intervention fund for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) towards the completion of AIS automation, upgrading of navigational aids, surveillance and communication facilities.
Ngerem also extended an appeal to the Managing Director of NAMA, Umar Farouk, to sustain the commitment to bring the AIS automation to completion as it would enhance air-to-ground communication and attract other benefits to the Nigerian airspace. He also appealed to the federal government to review its policy on 50% automatic deduction at source from internally generated revenue of agencies and ensure that NAMA is exempt from it due to the critical role the agency plays in the sector, stressing that the safety of air travel should be given priority over economic considerations.
In his remarks at the event, Farouk disclosed that the agency is on the verge of flagging off the AIS automation, having attained about 90% completion of the project and affirmed that the agency would leave no stone unturned in its drive to commission the project.
Farouk who was represented by the Director of Legal Services, Isemiuhonmon Egbadon, stated that given the centrality of AIS automation to the entire gamut of operations of the agency, several categories of AIS staff have either been trained or are presently undergoing training on automation to ensure that the imminent takeoff is seamless.
“We know that digitalisation is key to development. We know that AIS automation will bring about Geographic Information System (GIS) which will guide and enhance our operations. It will also digitalise NOTAM (Notice To Airmen) systems. It will help to automate weather observing systems as well. It will provide pilots with accurate data for operations and help to collaborate in the decision-making system, so, there is no going back on Automation,” Farouk said.