Improved System-Wide Information Management for Aeronautical Data Chain Using Air Traffic Control Infrastructure: A Nigerian Perspective

The modernization of air traffic management (ATM) depends on how effective aviation stakeholders share accurate and timely information. System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) provides a unified digital framework that connects aeronautical, meteorological, and operational data across the aviation network. While many advanced regions have successfully adopted ICAO SWIM concept, Nigeria is still relying on fragmented and mostly manual systems that limit operational efficiency and data reliability. This study proposes the development of an improved SWIM-based framework that uses existing Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure as the foundation for integrating aeronautical data. The research combined document analysis, system modelling, and iterative software design following Agile and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) principles. The proposed system prototype will be developed with C#.Net, ASP.Net, and SQL Server. It will also demonstrate how digital NOTAMs, electronic flight strips, ADR-16 reports, real-time weather data, and aerodrome operator’s global reporting formats (GRF) can operate within a shared information environment. The results showed that the proposed framework will improve data consistency, reduce processing time, and enhance coordination among ICAO AFI Air Navigation Service Providers, meteorological agencies, airline operators and airport operators. It will also support real-time collaboration and aligns with ICAO’s Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP). In conclusion, adopting SWIM framework through existing ATC infrastructure, which will be supported by sound policies, strong cybersecurity, and skilled personnel, will offer Nigeria a practical pathway toward a fully digital and globally connected air traffic management system.