By Muhammad Mamman
The Nigerian government has announced a sweeping overhaul of its national air surveillance infrastructure, unveiling plans to deploy advanced radar systems and a comprehensive counter-drone shield in a bid to strengthen security across the country’s airspace.
The announcement, made on Wednesday by federal authorities in Abuja, marks one of the most ambitious aviation security upgrades in recent years, as concerns grow over the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles and emerging airborne threats.
Officials said the initiative will involve modernising existing radar installations, expanding coverage to previously underserved regions, and integrating cutting-edge technologies capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising hostile drones in real time.
According to the government, the project is designed to close critical security gaps, enhance early-warning capabilities and improve coordination among defence and aviation agencies nationwide.
“This upgrade will significantly improve our ability to monitor Nigerian airspace and respond swiftly to any unauthorised or suspicious aerial activity,” a senior government official said, adding that the system would be rolled out in phases.
The programme is expected to bolster national security operations, protect critical infrastructure and support civil aviation safety, amid rising regional instability and evolving security challenges.
While authorities did not disclose the total cost or implementation timeline, they said the overhaul forms part of broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s defence architecture and safeguard its territorial integrity.
Security analysts say the move reflects a growing recognition across Africa of the need to counter drone-related threats, which have increasingly featured in criminal and insurgent activities in recent years.
The federal government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s skies remain secure, pledging continued investment in technology-driven security solutions.
