Afrigather Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Growth, arrived at Thales, the famend France-based world air surveillance radar supplier, on Saturday to hold out a complete improve on the radar system in airports in Nigeria.
Keyamo, accompanied by his crew, including aviation expert Layi Are, earlier arrived in Rouen-Ymare, Thales’ headquarters, positioned two hours away from the French capital, to examine and perceive the performance of the newest radar gear.
“I’ve taken my time to come back all the way in which as a result of I need one of the best gear for my nation. I need the Nigerian aviation sector to compete favourably by way of the set up of the newest gear. That’s why I’m right here to take a tour and see the newest radar gear on the town,” said Keyamo.
Lionel DE Castellane, the Vice President of Thales answerable for the Civil Radars Section, warmly welcomed the Minister and guided him by the inspection of services.
Castellane highlighted the pressing want for the improve of the overall radar protection of Nigerian airport services, particularly at main airports equivalent to Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt.
He drew consideration to the continuing TRACON (Whole Radar Protection of Nigeria) undertaking, initiated 18 years in the past, emphasising the necessity for pressing modernization.
Castellane knowledgeable the Minister that section 1 of the TRACON undertaking, initially signed with the Nigerian Airspace Administration Company (NAMA) in 2022, is 80 p.c full and scheduled for completion by Might 2024. He disclosed that discussions on financing preparations for the second and third phases are underway.
Recognising the monetary magnitude of the undertaking, Thales has secured a mortgage facility of €30.6 million from Commerzbank Group, a German monetary establishment, with the French Assure Company offering backup assist.
“We’re solely ready for the Nigerian authorities to present us the nod to formalise the financing preparations; at the same time as we converse, the Commerzbank director right here in France is a name away anytime; she’s able to journey to Nigeria for the formalities,” Costallane stated.
Following an intensive and insightful presentation, the Minister was introduced with a lovely radar system mannequin as a token of appreciation for his go to.
