The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved significant upgrades to navigational and communication systems at airports nationwide, aimed at enhancing air safety and modernising aviation infrastructure.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this to State House correspondents after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
The approvals include installing an Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System in Lagos and Abuja to detect runway obstructions and improve ground safety operations.
Keyamo added that the FEC also approved new modular air traffic control towers for eight airports and an aeronautical frequency monitoring and interference-detection system to strengthen communication reliability.
“Approval was given for the installation of an aeronautical frequency spectrum monitor and interference detection solution to improve communication between ground controllers, tower personnel, and approaching or departing aircraft,” he said.
The system, he explained, will enhance communication integrity and provide more accurate guidance during runway approaches and departures.
The council also approved the procurement, replacement, and upgrade of remote-controlled air-ground VHF radio communication systems in nine airports, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Wukari, and an additional Abuja site.
In addition, Tinubu approved the rollout of biometric-enabled e-gates at all international airports to fast-track passenger processing and improve the travel experience.
Keyamo noted that the upgrades align with the president’s directive to modernise aviation facilities and ensure safer, more efficient air travel across the country.
(Punch)
