• Nigeria approves upgrade of VHF radio systems at major airports
• Project includes new biometric portals, scanners, and passenger guidance systems
• Reforms aim to boost air safety, efficiency, and airport competitiveness

Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council has approved a plan to modernize remote VHF radio communication systems at airports in Lagos, Abuja and several other locations, local media reported, citing Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. The project aims to improve the reliability of air communications and enhance operational safety.

The investments are part of a broader plan to upgrade Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and improve the efficiency of air transport. The VHF systems, which are essential for communications between pilots and air traffic controllers during critical phases of flight, will be replaced or upgraded at nine airports, according to the reports. These include Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano, Maiduguri, Sokoto and Wukari, as well as a second site in the capital.

The program also includes the installation of advanced surface movement guidance systems and biometric portals to streamline passenger and security checks at all international airports. This modernization builds on a roadmap pursued for several years by the government to digitize and secure airport services, including the deployment of new scanners, magnetic gates and self-check-in kiosks.

Recent reforms also include the introduction of an e-Visa service and electronic entry and exit cards. Authorities say the initiatives are intended to support rapid growth in domestic air traffic, driven by the expansion of local airlines and a more mobile middle class, while improving the competitiveness of Nigerian airports.

Henoc Dossa