NAMA's N7.58bn ILS Project Abandoned, Funds Mismanaged

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) acquired a Category 3 Instrument Landing System (ILS) for N7.58 billion, installed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos in 2019. This project, intended to reduce flight delays during harmattan and enable landings in zero visibility, has been abandoned.

NAMA failed to provide essential supporting equipment, such as localizers and dual transmitters, necessary for the ILS to function. Consequently, both airports reverted to using the less advanced Category II ILS.

The project was only the first phase, with plans for further investment, but insiders revealed that there was no feasibility study or proper planning, suggesting the project was mismanaged to misappropriate government funds. As a result, critical projects within NAMA remain incomplete, and no legal actions have been taken against those involved in the mismanagement of the funds.