The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved the upgrade of remote-controlled Very High Frequency, VHF, radio systems at key airports, including Lagos and Abuja, in a move aimed at enhancing communication reliability and strengthening air safety across the nation.
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Wednesday after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Keyamo stated that the initiative forms part of a broader effort to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and ensure safer, more efficient air travel.
The VHF radio systems, critical for seamless communication between pilots and air traffic controllers during takeoffs, landings, and flights, will be upgraded or replaced at nine airports: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Wukari, and an additional site in Abuja.
“We are upgrading VHF radio systems in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano, another Abuja location, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and Wukari airports,” Keyamo confirmed.
The minister also highlighted FEC’s approval for the installation of an aeronautical frequency monitoring and interference detection system, which is designed to strengthen communication integrity and reduce the likelihood of miscommunication between pilots and ground controllers.
FEC also endorsed the deployment of advanced surface movement guidance systems and biometric-enabled e-gates at all international airports to improve passenger processing and operational efficiency.
