Ahead of Emergence of Nigeria's ATM Center, MD, NAMA Visit China's ATM Center

NAMA MD/CE Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar Visits National ATM Center in Nanjing, China

As part of his official engagement in the People’s Republic of China, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, FNSE, FCIA, MCOREN, NPOM (Danmajen Gwandu / Gamjin Kabi), undertook a comprehensive technical visit to the National Air Traffic Management (ATM) Center in Nanjing, operated by LES INFO, a subsidiary of the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC).

The visit formed part of a high-level delegation from Nigeria’s aviation sector and provided an opportunity for strategic engagement on the structure, performance, and operational efficiency of China’s centralized air traffic management framework. The delegation received detailed briefings on the architecture of the ATM system, which integrates Air Traffic Services (ATS), Airspace Management (ASM), and Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) to ensure safe, orderly, and efficient operations across high-density and complex airspace.

Particular attention was given to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system developed by LES INFO, which reflects extensive experience in the design and manufacture of ATC solutions for both civil and military applications. The system delivers high-performance capabilities for en-route, terminal, and tower control centers, supporting multi-radar, ADS, and CPDLC data fusion, comprehensive flight data processing for ICAO and non-ICAO operations, and continuous flight flow monitoring. These features enable effective demand–capacity balancing, automatic control area handoff, and enhanced operational predictability.

The delegation also examined the deployment of advanced surveillance and automation technologies, including airport approach surveillance data processing, synchronous recording and playback for operational analysis and controller training, as well as decision-support tools that enhance situational awareness and flight safety. In addition, the ATC system integrates meteorological data processing with nephogram display, AFTN, SITA, and AIDC message handling, alongside a reliable voice control communication system within a fully integrated information architecture.

Designed for high reliability and operational resilience, the system operates on active-standby processors and redundant LAN infrastructure, ensuring service continuity. Comprehensive technical support arrangements further guarantee long-term assistance, system evolution, and future upgrades, sustaining a mature, stable, and dependable operational ATC environment.

Overall, the visit to the National ATM Center in Nanjing provided valuable insight into large-scale, centralized air traffic management operations and demonstrated how advanced technology, system integration, and coordinated decision-making can significantly enhance aviation safety, efficiency, and service delivery. The experience is expected to contribute meaningfully to NAMA’s ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria’s airspace management systems in line with international best practices.

Danmajen Gwandu Media