Nigeria’s aviation sector, one of the most significant on the African continent, continues to demonstrate strategic evolution in enhancing safety and efficiency through Instrument Flight Procedure Design (IFPD). Presented at the Eleventh African Flight Procedure Programme (AFPP) Steering Committee Meeting held in Lusaka, Zambia (21–23 May 2025), the country’s paper highlighted how a shift towards internal capacity development, proactive oversight, and innovation is shaping the future of air navigation in the country.
The Context: Nigeria’s Airspace and Economic Dynamics
Covering a vast 988,885 km², Nigeria’s Kano Flight Information Region (FIR) includes both land and sea territory. With a population exceeding 220 million and a GDP surpassing USD 440 billion, Nigeria commands one of Africa’s leading economies. A rising middle class and increased domestic and international travel—reflected in the 15.89 million recorded air journeys in 2023—underscore the need for a robust aviation infrastructure. Nigeria hosts five international airports and twenty-nine domestic airports, serving as critical nodes in the continent’s aviation landscape.
From Outsourcing to Local Expertise
Up to 2002, Nigeria outsourced its IFPD services. That changed when the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) took a bold step to internalise capacity. Establishing a dedicated Department of Airspace Planning, NAMA began training Air Traffic Controllers to become certified IFP designers. This move signalled a turning point—one where Nigerian professionals took ownership of their national airspace design needs.
Embracing Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)
The introduction of the ICAO Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) framework in 2008 spurred further evolution. Nigeria responded by redesigning airspace structures, particularly at its international airports. With support from IATA, PBN-based Standard Instrument Departure Routes (SIDs) and Standard Arrival Routes (STARs) were implemented across four international airports. Today, every runway in Nigeria features PBN procedures, reflecting a widespread adoption of modern air navigation methodologies.
Reaffirming AFPP Engagement
A founding member of the African Flight Procedure Programme in 2014, Nigeria played an early role in shaping regional flight procedure frameworks. Although institutional changes had caused a temporary decline in participation, recent leadership within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has renewed Nigeria’s commitment. This includes a strong emphasis on capacity-building partnerships and sustained involvement in AFPP initiatives.
Oversight Through the IFPD Inspectorate
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has established an IFPD Inspectorate responsible for regulatory oversight. The authority has developed guidance materials for both inspectors and service providers, alongside comprehensive surveillance plans. Efforts are ongoing to integrate software solutions to streamline and automate the approval process of flight procedures—further cementing oversight capabilities.
Key Achievements in IFPD
Nigeria’s progress is anchored in several standout achievements:
- Calibration Aircraft Acquisition: A strategic investment to reduce reliance on external services and improve the frequency and reliability of navigational equipment checks. The same aircraft is also used for validating new procedures.
- Free Route Airspace (FRA): Nigeria became the first country in the African Indian Ocean (AFI) region to implement FRA. The innovation has significantly optimised airspace usage—reducing flight times, carbon emissions, and operating costs for airlines.
- Indigenous Design Capacity: All IFP and airspace design work is conducted internally by qualified Nigerian experts, reflecting both self-reliance and technical maturity.
Challenges to Overcome
Despite the progress, several challenges persist:
- PANS-OPS Inspectorate Expertise: A shortage of inspectors with ICAO-standard knowledge hinders effective regulatory enforcement.
- Incomplete PBN Integration: While PBN procedures exist, full national integration is still in progress.
- Cost of Design Software: High costs and complex licence renewals for IFPD software impact efficiency and scalability.
- Lack of On-the-Job Training (OJT): Designers and inspectors have limited access to structured, practical training, affecting long-term capacity growth.
Addressing the Gaps
The NCAA is implementing targeted interventions to close these gaps:
- Training and Certification: A renewed push to qualify PANS-OPS inspectors through specialised training.
- Technology Partnerships: Collaborations are underway to procure software that enhances approval processes for IFPs and airspace design.
- Workshops and Stakeholder Engagement: In 2025, a national workshop on the application of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) will be held. It will also mark the inauguration of a National PBN Office and an SBAS Implementation Committee.
- Streamlining Procurement: Recognising the challenges posed by government procurement procedures, efforts are being made to ease restrictions that hinder software acquisition for NAMA.
- OJT Collaboration with AFPP: Nigeria is actively seeking partnerships through AFPP to provide practical OJT opportunities for inspectors and designers.
A Clear Path Forward
Nigeria’s evolving IFPD ecosystem demonstrates a commitment to airspace safety, navigation efficiency, and regulatory robustness. Through home-grown solutions, international collaboration, and institutional strengthening, the country is aligning its aviation sector with global standards.
Continued engagement with programmes like the AFPP, along with strategic investments in training and technology, will ensure that Nigeria remains a leader in airspace design on the African continent.
