As parts of efforts to enhance air safety, the Federal Government of Nigeria said it is exploring and integrating drone technology into the nation's aviation sector.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, disclosed this at a high-level workshop on NAVAID DRONE:Advancement in Air Navigation and Safety on Thursday in Abuja.
The Minister who spoke through the Director of Safety in the Ministry, Mr. Chukwu Michael, while stressing the critical role of advanced technology in air navigation in the emerging global world, highlighted the benefits of NavAid drones as the future of aerospace safety and operations.
“Air navigation and safety have always been the cornerstone of the aviation industry. As air traffic continues to grow, the need for innovative, efficient, and reliable solutions has never been more critical.
“The NavAid drones represent the new frontier in aerospace tools that not only enhance safety but also streamline operations,” Keyamo noted.
The Minister commended the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and its partners, LIVIASOFT and COLIBREX, for their forward-thinking initiative.
He urged the participants to “seize this opportunity to engage meaningfully with stakeholders and lay the foundation for a stronger, more innovative Nigeria.”
On his part, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar who was represented by the Director of Air Traffic, Mr. John Tayo, spoke on the significance of integrating drone technology into Nigeria’s airspace.
“Air navigation and safety are the cornerstones of a robust and reliable aviation sector. As Nigeria continues to experience rapid growth in air traffic, urbanization, and economic development, the need for efficient, safe, and sustainable air navigation systems has never been more critical.
“The integration of NavAid Drone technology into Nigeria’s aerospace ecosystem is not just a step forward; it is a leap into the future. It aligns with the Nigerian government’s vision of fostering innovation, improving infrastructure, and positioning the country as a hub for aerospace excellence in Africa,” he stated
Also speaking, the Managing Director of LiviaSoft, Dr. Bobga Danjuma, highlighted the cost-effectiveness of drone-based navigation, saying;“We need to be able to deploy NavAid and provide that baseline so that we can navigate our airports and runways without relying on aircraft all the time.
“What is happening here with this workshop, as you see, is that the navigational aspect of using drones for navigation is cheaper.'
The workshop brought together aviation stakeholders across Nigeria and neighboring countries, like Sierra Leone, Ghana, Uganda, and Kenya.