Aviation experts are urging the Federal Government to look beyond the ₦712 billion earmarked for rebuilding the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal and set aside an additional ₦142.4 billion to fix critical deficiencies in Air Navigation Services (ANS) — the backbone of safe and efficient air travel.

Air Navigation Services cover a wide range of operations, including air traffic management, communication, navigation, surveillance, meteorology, aeronautical information, and search and rescue. Without these, experts warn, Nigeria’s airspace remains vulnerable to inefficiencies and safety risks.

Some of the urgent needs highlighted include:

₦22 billion for Surface Movement Radar (SMR) to stop runway incursions.

₦25 billion to recruit and train Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), addressing a worrying 42% staffing gap.

₦12.4 billion to strengthen cybersecurity and prevent system-wide collapses.

According to estimates, airlines currently lose around $50 million annually due to fuel wastage and delays caused by weak navigation systems. Beyond the financial hit, experts say it also dents investor confidence in the aviation sector.

Speaking on the issue, Chris Aligbe, CEO of Belujane Konsult, stressed that Nigeria’s obsolete air navigation infrastructure needs urgent attention. “We cannot keep rebuilding airport terminals while the backbone of air safety remains weak,” he warned.

The call for investment highlights a broader challenge for Nigeria’s aviation industry: balancing flashy infrastructure upgrades with the less-visible but life-saving systems that keep the skies safe.