NAMA: How Nigeria Manages Harmattan Flight Safety with Robust Navigational Aids

January 2, 2026 at 12:00 AM•2 min read

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) reassures air travelers that Harmattan weather does not compromise air safety, citing robust, ICAO-compliant navigational aids maintenance

Key Points

1NAMA confirms all navigational aids (NAVAIDs) are routinely maintained and calibrated in strict compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
2The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) provides continuous regulatory oversight, validating calibration cycles and enforcing compliance.
3Harmattan-related flight delays are primarily due to weather conditions and airline operational decisions, not infrastructure failure, as existing ILS CAT II systems are deemed adequate for typical visibility.
4Nationwide flight calibration exercises were completed in December 2025, with more scheduled for early 2026 to ensure continued operational accuracy and safety reliability.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has reassured air travelers. The agency insists Harmattan weather does not compromise air safety in Nigeria. Its navigational infrastructure remains robust and well maintained. Systems are fully aligned with global aviation standards.

NAMA moved to correct public misconceptions. Public debate must be anchored on technical clarity. Harmattan is a predictable, managed weather condition. It is not a systemic safety failure. Delays reflect conservative, weather-driven decisions.

Navigational Aids Maintenance and Compliance

All navigational aids at Federal Government airports are routinely maintained. They are flight-checked and calibrated strictly. This complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices. It also meets the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations. NAMA stated these processes are mandatory safety requirements.

Calibration uses a dedicated flight inspection aircraft. Highly trained technical personnel operate this aircraft. Critical infrastructure undergoes periodic verification. This includes Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR), and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). This ensures signal integrity and operational accuracy.

System Adequacy and Recent Actions

NAMA dismissed claims about inadequate equipment. Historical data shows Harmattan visibility is adequately covered. Existing ILS Category II procedures support safe operations. The lowest average runway visibility is around 150 meters. This aligns with ILS CAT II minima requirements.

A nationwide round of flight calibration exercises was completed recently. This restored serviceability timelines across many airports. Further calibration is scheduled for early 2026.

Regulatory Oversight and Transparency

Activities are under continuous regulatory oversight. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) audits compliance. NCAA validates calibration cycles and enforces corrective actions. NAMA also works with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). This ensures continuous and timely weather updates.

Operational status of all navigational aids is formally published.
This information is shared via Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) Supplements.
AIP Supplements are accessible to all airlines, pilots, and international stakeholders.

This commitment reinforces Nigeria’s air navigation safety profile. It ensures the country meets global best practices for low visibility operations. For more updates on commercial aviation news, visit our dedicated page. commercial aviation news