President of the Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN) Ibrahim Audu, has called on the Federal Government to stop the 50% revenue deductions from aviation agencies, which he believes are significantly hindering efforts to modernize critical airspace facilities.
Speaking in commemoration of the 2025 World Aeronautical Information Services Day (WAISD), Audu stressed the negative impact these cuts have on the country’s airspace safety, particularly in terms of upgrading outdated infrastructure that ensures aviation safety and efficiency.
The Role of Aeronautical Information Services in Aviation Safety
This year’s WAISD theme, ‘Safeguarding The Skies: The Vital Role of Secured Aeronautical Information in Aviation Safety’, underscored the crucial role that Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) play in ensuring the safety, regularity, and efficiency of international air navigation. Audu pointed out that these services are vital to providing accurate and real-time data for pilots, contributing to safer flight operations.
He argued that the ongoing revenue deductions are obstructing vital modernization projects within agencies like the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), which are crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient airspace system.
Automation Delays and Regional Competitiveness
Audu specifically called for the AIS Automation project to be completed without further delay. According to him, Nigeria is falling behind neighboring countries in terms of automation. Once fully operational, the system will include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a digital NOTAM platform, and automated weather observation systems, all of which are essential for providing up-to-date information to pilots and enhancing air safety.
Professionalizing the Sector
In addition to infrastructure concerns, Audu also highlighted the efforts of AIMAN to professionalize the sector. Under his leadership, the association has established a licensing committee, chaired by Patrick Afatapa, to work towards licensing AIS personnel. He noted that professional certification is vital for both the credibility of the personnel and the operational confidence in the airspace management system.
Looking Ahead: International Conference and Global Awareness
Audu further announced that Nigeria will host the first International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Associations (IFAIMA) conference in 2025. In anticipation of this global event, this year’s WAISD celebrations will be decentralized, with activities observed at station levels across the country to generate widespread support.
A Global Celebration of Aviation Safety
World AIS Day, celebrated annually on May 15 since its inception in 1953, serves to raise global awareness about the indispensable role of Aeronautical Information Services in ensuring aviation safety and operational efficiency.
