The President of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers, Seizling Miri, has called on the Federal Government to support the Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, Engr. Umar Farouk, to surmount challenges confronting the Nigerian air navigational sector.

Speaking with our correspondent over the phone on Monday, Miri said while the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency has made commendable strides, much more is needed to empower engineers and technical personnel to deliver optimally.

Miri, who had in the past raised concerns over the deteriorating state of air navigational equipment as well as engineers working conditions, stated that the agency’s managing director has been working round the clock to improve the age-old situation.

Aside from inadequate tools and poor working conditions, Miri had complained that lack of operational support was a major constraint undermining his members’ performance.

Miri also mentioned the lack of critical test equipment and modern tools as a key impediment.

At a recent meeting, Miri recalled how the age-old situation put navigational equipment out of use for decades in Owerri airport over a simple cable fault, an issue he was able to resolve in minutes with the right testing device.

He explained, “Then I asked the control tower, ‘Please ask the next aircraft to check if they are receiving the DME.’ You know what the pilot said when they asked him? I was monitoring them on the radio; you know what the pilot said, Hallelujah! DME in Owerri? That was his response, and what was the magic? It was a testing tool, so there are a lot of test gears that engineers need today that can make our work easy.”

Beyond equipment, the NAAE President also recalled engineers’ daily ordeals, listing poor transportation to sites and decaying operational vehicles, among other daily challenges of the aviation workers.

But in his latest interview with our correspondent who sought to know if the situation persists, Miri hailed Farouk’s strides, calling on the Federal Government to back the agency with the required funding.

His words, “What I will say is that the situation has been there even before this present administration at NAMA. As for change, I think I can say yes. Our MD is doing quite a lot to change the story, and we have seen visible changes.

“For instance, last year the issues of training received a very favourable push, so that is narrowing the gap of challenges. I think he is also doing a lot in the area of spears and procurement of equipment, but it is not something he can change at once, but there is a lot of improvement. Some of the challenges have been there for more than 5-6 years.

“My actual focus is to beg the Federal Government because for this MD to change the story completely, a lot of support from the government and funds are required.

“The call is for the Federal Government to see reasons to support the MD. For this MD to be able to clear the backlogs, the government must be able to help. For instance, the operational vehicles needed are many, and without the support of the government, the MD may be limited.”