Nigeria Partners With French Firm On Infrastructure Upgrade In Airports Across Nigeria 

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has engaged a French company, Thales, to upgrade the radar systems within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

This partnership was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the minister on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.

Moshood says Thales, is a global air surveillance radar provider, and they have  been providing radar installations for major international airports such as London Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle among others.

Keyamo expressed his desire to acquire cutting edge radar technology during his visit to Thales’ headquarters in Rouen-Ymare, France.

Keyamo, who was accompanied by his team, said, “I have taken my time to come all the way because I want the best equipment for my country. I want the Nigerian aviation sector to compete favourably in terms of the installation of the latest equipment. That’s why I am here to take a tour and see the latest radar equipment in town.”

Responding to the minister, the  Vice President of Thales in charge of the Civil Radars Segment, Lionel DE Castellane, says there is urgent need for the radar system upgrade, particularly at major Nigerian airports, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt.

Castellane says having underscored the ongoing Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria project, highlighting the necessity for modernisation and enhancements in radar technology.

Notable progress was reported on the TRACON project, with phase 1, initially signed with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency in 2022, being 80 percent complete and set for full completion by May 2024.

He also said that discussions on financing arrangements for the second and third phases are underway with Thales securing a substantial loan facility of €30.6m from the Commerzbank Group, a German financial institution, and support from the French Guarantee Agency.

“We’re only waiting for the Nigerian government to give us the nod to formalise the financing arrangements, even as we speak, the Commerzbank director here in France is a call away anytime, she’s ready to travel to Nigeria for the formalities”,