The Federal Government has once again designated N2 billion for the creation of Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) branches in five geopolitical zones throughout the nation.
Additionally, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is set to receive N6.3 billion for three initiatives as outlined in the 2026 appropriation bill.
Previously, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development had proposed a budget of N3.68 billion for the decentralization efforts of the college in the 2025 fiscal year.
However, numerous aviation specialists voiced their concerns regarding the plan to decentralize the institution. For example, David Olubadewo, the Chief Executive Officer of Starburst Aviation based in the United Kingdom, urged Minister Festus Keyamo to reconsider this initiative.
He asserted that the college has acquired the status of a regional centre of excellence recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and is regarded as one of the premier aviation training institutions in Africa.
Olubadewo emphasized that NCAT is a distinctive entity that should not be diluted.
"NCAT, as it presently stands, is an exemplary institution, possibly the finest in Africa. Its location and every aspect about it are unparalleled. It serves as a center of excellence, making the decentralization plan poorly conceived," he remarked.
"Having observed aviation training programs globally, I can confidently state that NCAT possesses unique and invaluable characteristics. Some might not comprehend this as I do," he added.
Also, Muhammad Bala Jibrin, a former director in the Ministry of Aviation, appealed to the government to withdraw its decision to decentralize.
Jibrin cautioned that fragmenting the nation's leading aviation institution represents a misguided strategy that jeopardizes the training synergy developed over many years.
He clarified that NCAT includes six fully interconnected schools—flying, air traffic control, engineering, aeronautical communication, aviation management, and emergency and safety training—each relying on one another to provide high- quality education.
He pointed out, "For example, all Air Traffic Control trainees must first earn at least a Private Pilot License. This understanding aids controllers in grasping a pilot's limitations during various flight stages."
In the proposed 2026 budget currently under review by the National Assembly, the government has once again allocated N2 billion for the establishment of NCAT branches in Akure, Osubi, Ebonyi, Ilorin, and Yola. This allocation is designated as an ongoing project in the appropriation document.
Furthermore, the Ministry intends to enhance the Osun airstrip in Osun State with a budget of N1 billion and aims to upgrade Wi-Fi connectivity for travelers in five international airports along with several domestic terminals for N800 million. This initiative is also categorized as ongoing in the budget.
Additionally, the ministry plans to improve power supply at five airports—Owerri, Benin, Osubi, Akure, and Calabar—through solar and gas turbines with a budget of N1 billion within the financial year of 2026.
On behalf of NAMA, a budget of N6.3 billion is set aside for three selected projects in 2026.
NAMA aims to directly procure the expansion of the Jotron extended range high power standalone VHF radio network over satellite at a cost of N3.5 million, which has been noted as an ongoing project.
The agency also seeks to initiate a safe tower upgrade for four principal airports, namely Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, along with the Lagos Voice Communication Control System (VCCS) for N1.4 billion.
Moreover, NAMA plans to allocate an additional N1.4 billion for the procurement, installation, and commissioning of a wide area multilateration surveillance system aimed at monitoring low-flying helicopters in the Gulf of Guinea. These two undertakings have similarly been highlighted as ongoing in the appropriation bill presented to the National Assembly.
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