July 12, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and his Defence counterpart, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, have led a powerful Nigerian delegation on a significant three-day visit to Indra in Spain.
The mission, titled, “Air Surveillance for the Sovereignty, Security, and Safety of the Nigerian Airspace through Dual Use Technology (Civil and Military),” is aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s air surveillance capabilities through cutting-edge dual-use technology.
The delegation was warmly received by the CEO of Indra, Jose Vicente de los Mozos, along with other senior executives, including Javier Ruano, VP ATM; Luis Permuy, VP International Sales; Emeric Osmont, Director West Africa; Sergio Sanchez, Director for Institutional Relationships, and General Francisco Almerich (Rtd), Former Chief of Air Defence Command Centre, Spanish Air Force.
Indra is one of the world’s leading global technology and consulting companies and the technological partner for the core business operations of its customers worldwide. Indra is a world leader in providing proprietary solutions in specific segments of the transport and defence markets, and a leading firm in digital transformation consultancy and information technologies in Spain and Latin America through its affiliate, Minsait.
The itinerary included comprehensive tours of Indra’s Headquarters, Simulator Factory, and Academy, where the delegation inspected the latest security and safety equipment, including the Indra Defense facility.
The visit featured a welcome and introductory speech by the CEO of Indra, Jose Vicente de los Mozos, followed by detailed presentations on the latest Air Traffic Control System (ACC APP TWR) Demo, Dual Project Scope Definition, Voice Communications System Demo, and a demonstration of Radar and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS).
The Nigerian delegation comprised high-ranking officials, including Mr. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Mr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence; Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman, Senate Committee On Aviation; Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba, Chairman, House Committee On Aviation, and Air Marshall Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.
Others are Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, MD, NAMA; Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Olorunmola Daramola, Chief of Communications and Information System; Air Commodore Nasiru Babatunde Folaji, Directorate of Air Traffic Services; Air Commodore Hamisu Chonoko Usman, Directorate of Electronic Warfare; Michael Chukwu, Director, Air Transport and Safety Management, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development; John Tayo, Director, ATS, NAMA; Terese Ijeoma Ihenacho, Director, SEES, NAMA, and Group Captain Fatai Ayinla Ganiyu, Defence Attache.
This visit underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s airspace security and surveillance capabilities through the adoption of advanced technologies. The collaboration with Indra is expected to significantly bolster Nigeria’s air traffic management and defence infrastructure, ensuring the safety and sovereignty of its airspace.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.