The President of the Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN), Dr. Ibrahim Audu, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the 50 per cent revenue deductions from aviation agencies, warning that the policy is undermining critical safety upgrades in the nation’s airspace.
Dr. Audu made the appeal in a statement marking the 2025 World Aeronautical Information Service Day (WAISD), celebrated globally every May 15. This year’s theme, “Safeguarding The Skies: The Vital Role of Secured Aeronautical Information in Aviation Safety,” highlights the indispensable role Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) play in ensuring the safety, regularity, and efficiency of air navigation.
According to him, continued deductions are stalling essential modernisation efforts, particularly within the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), where outdated facilities are in dire need of upgrade.
“The deductions are crippling our capacity to improve safety infrastructure,” he said. “They’re delaying the AIS Automation project, which is critical if Nigeria is to keep pace with regional peers.”
Dr. Audu stressed that Nigeria is lagging behind neighbouring countries in AIS automation and that the long-delayed project, once completed, would integrate modern systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a digital Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) platform, and automated weather observation tools.
“These innovations will significantly improve real-time data delivery to pilots, enhancing overall flight safety,” he added.
In a bid to professionalise the AIS sector, Audu also revealed the formation of a dedicated licensing committee chaired by Mr. Patrick Afatapa. The committee has reportedly made substantial progress towards securing professional licensing for AIS personnel—a step he described as vital for credibility and confidence in the sector.
Looking ahead, Dr. Audu announced that Nigeria will host the first International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Associations (IFAIMA) conference in 2025. As part of the build-up, this year’s WAISD will be celebrated in a decentralised format across AIS stations nationwide to mobilise support and raise awareness.
Established in 1953, World AIS Day celebrates the pivotal role of Aeronautical Information Services in ensuring aviation safety and efficiency around the globe.
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