Nigeria installs safety equipment at airport: official

Nigeria has successfully installed safety equipment to facilitate smooth operations at central north city of Kaduna International Airport, an official said Tuesday.

The equipment includes instrument landing system, low level wind shear and other navigational aids, Muhammed Joji, Chairman, Transit Committee for Abuja-Kaduna Movement during Abuja Airport closure, told reporters.

The installation is to enable the airport take all types of aircraft as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, would be closed for six weeks for repair of its runway.

Joji added that the adequate safety measures had been taken to enable the airport accommodate all types of aircraft.

He said world class Instrument Landing System (ILS), localizer and glide slope had been successfully installed, adding that the calibration of the equipment would take place any moment.

ILS, according to him, operates as ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision lateral and vertical guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals.

He frowned at the decision of some foreign airlines not to fly to Kaduna, stressing that it was wrong for foreign airlines to dictate to their host country.

The Nigerian government had earlier announced its decision to shut Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the nation's capital for the repair of the failed portion of its runway from March 8.

It had also announced the diversion of all Abuja bound flights during the period to Kaduna airport. Endit