By Jimoh Babatunde & Daniel Eteghe
Government has been urged to  sanction  those responsible for the inability of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to complete the installation  of Runway 18L Murtala Muhammed International Airport edge lights  for two years.

A pressure group in the aviation industry, Aviation Round Table, in a chat with Aviation Journalists  Thursday, disclosed that  non-completion of the runway 18L had exposed  lack of effective planning and execution of contracts in the aviation sub sector.

They argued that  the failed contracts had continued to expose airlines and passengers to dangers, saying “ the government has to sanction  those responsible  for such merry go round in public service.”

The President of the body, Captain Dele Ore, said several air mishaps in Nigeria were weather-related, “yet since 2006 the Federal Government was advised to install 6 Dopper Weather Radar  to cover our airspace.”

to enable NIMET give precise weather forcasts to airlines at airports and enroute segment of flights.”

He said  for over six years , the airspace is yet to be covered by weather radars and flights do run into thunderstorm activities, turbulence and wind shear.

“Closure of Airports due to reduced visibility or flight delays in the 21st century is an aberration to economic development. NAMA and FAAN  should as a matter of urgency install ILS Category IIIC at the major international airports to guarantee non commercial operations and to guarantee national security.”

Captain Dele Ore  regretted that the  Total Radar of Nigeria (TRACON) that was instituted in 1996  and contract signed in  2003  is yet to be completed with various challenges still facing the project.

“Technical staffs are insufficient, therefore, NAMA cannot run full 24 hours service at the radar stations. It will be recalled  that the contract for this radar had been reviewed several times since it was signed with Thales of France in 2003.”

Meanwhile, the  Director General  Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demurin , has said that for the country to maintain  the Category one  status that there is need to ensure safety at our airports

Speaking Thursday, he said the country must continue to improve on infrastructural development,“no matter the automation you have, no matter the facility you have, human beings are going to drive it.“