Nigeria’s aviation sector is under increasing pressure, with officials warning that deteriorating radar infrastructure might soon jeopardise the country’s ability to efficiently monitor flights.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) issued an alert on April 10, 2026, stating that their Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, which was installed more than two decades ago, has outlived its operational life.

Experts believe the system, which was once a backbone for real-time aircraft tracking, is now faltering owing to old components, a scarcity of replacement parts, and restricted technical updates. This development raises safety concerns for air traffic control operations across the nation.

“Our area of urgent attention includes air traffic surveillance services. The TRACON system has aged significantly, and many of its components are now obsolete without replacements. Some parts are operating without backup, which puts our airspace at serious risk of losing effective surveillance,” said NAMA Managing Director, Farouk Umar.

He explained that without reliable radar systems, it is more difficult to maintain safe distances between aircraft, increasing the danger of mid-air incidents and noncompliance with international aviation regulations.

“Financial constraints are worsening the situation. A 30 per cent deduction from our internally generated revenue affects our ability to maintain critical infrastructure. Operational costs have increased, yet our service charges remain outdated, making sustainability difficult,” Umar added.

Government authorities responded by acknowledging the urgency and promising support.

This situation mirrors previous fears, as Nigeria’s aviation sector suffered comparable infrastructure challenges prior to TRACON enhancements in 2008 and 2010, which temporarily enhanced surveillance capabilities.