LAGOS – The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has held a three-day training workshop on Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) and collaboration of procedures for top-level management staff of the agency.

A statement by Stephen Onabe, Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, said that participants were drawn from the Aero-Comms and Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) departments of the agency across the country.

The statement hinted the workshop, which was held in Lagos, centred on the collaboration, harmonisation and synergy among critical personnel of the agency.

It also highlighted the importance of integrated procedures to enhance seamlessness and efficiency in the collection, processing, storage and dissemination of aeronautical data.

Commenting on the workshop, Engr. Umar Farouk, the Managing Director, NAMA, stated that the training had become imperative as the agency and the aviation industry in general had gone digital in most of their operations, processes and procedures.

Farouk, therefore, charged participants to “brace up for automation, which has come to stay in NAMA.”

Farouk who was represented at the occasion by Mr. John Tayo, the Director of Air Traffic Services, listed the benefits of collaboration between communication and information services integrated procedures to include implementation of real-time updates of critical data such as NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) and weather reports.

Others are creating protocols for collaboration during emergencies to ensure rapid dissemination of vital information; and conducting joint training programs and simulation exercises to improve coordination and response times.

He further listed other benefits to include developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that outline the specific roles and responsibilities of communication and information services personnel in various scenarios and ensuring that personnel are cross-trained to understand the workflows and challenges faced by their counterparts, among others.

He said: “Aero-Comms and AIS departments are the backbone of information management in NAMA given that without information and data, air traffic controllers cannot function, just as pilots cannot fly.

“The world has moved from analogue system into digital dissemination of Aeronautical Information hence the need for Aeronautical Information Management system which is strictly the responsibility of the two departments.”