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Tag: Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)

  • NAMA MD Bags Fellowship Award for Distinguished Leadership Conduct

    NAMA MD Bags Fellowship Award for Distinguished Leadership Conduct

    The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, has been conferred with a prestigious fellowship award by Better Nigeria in Practice of Good Conduct, a forum facilitated by Observers Watch which is dedicated to promoting ethical conduct in public service and private sector, in recognition of his “exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to ethical governance in public service.”

    The award ceremony, which took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2025 International Workers Day, attracted government officials, eminent Nigerians and the general public, where awards and recognition were given to individuals and institutions who had exhibited dedication to transparency, accountability, and the advancement of national development ideals.

    In his citation, the group commended Engr. Farouk for his transformative leadership at NAMA as well as efforts at modernizing the nation’s air navigation systems, promoting professional standards, and fostering a culture of service excellence.

    “Under his stewardship, NAMA has witnessed significant operational improvements, enhanced safety protocols, and the implementation of cutting-edge air traffic management technologies, all achieved with a strong ethical foundation,” the citation stated.

    Receiving the award, Engr. Farouk expressed gratitude for the honour, dedicating it to “the hardworking staff of NAMA,” stressing that the recognition would go a long way in strengthening his commitment towards upholding the principles of good governance in the agency.

    “This award is a testament to the fact that integrity still counts in public service. It will inspire us to continue to deliver on our statutory mandate with diligence, transparency, and a deep sense of national duty,” Farouk said.

    The fellowship award by Better Nigeria in Practice of Good Conduct is bestowed annually on outstanding Nigerians who exemplify the values of good character, effective leadership, and a commitment to national progress.

  • NAMA Clarifies Incident Involving United Airlines Flight UAL 613

    NAMA Clarifies Incident Involving United Airlines Flight UAL 613

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has issued a clarification regarding reports surrounding United Airlines flight UAL 613, which experienced an air return on January 24, 2025. The flight, carrying 256 passengers and 11 crew members, departed Lagos en route to Washington Dulles.

    NAMA is addressing misleading reports and commentary from certain “aviation experts” regarding the incident. For clarity, the incident involving a loss of altitude did not occur within Nigerian airspace. UAL 613 departed Lagos following all international aviation standards and protocols.

    Approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes into the flight, while over Côte d’Ivoire airspace, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The pilot, exercising their prerogative and based on their assessment of the situation, chose to return to Lagos – the flight’s origin – rather than divert to Bamako or Abidjan.

    Upon receiving contact from the flight, NAMA’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) immediately activated medical emergency services, as requested by the pilot and in accordance with standard operating procedures. Lagos Area Control Centre established contact with the flight 180 nautical miles from Lagos, activating a medical emergency standby and guiding the aircraft to a safe landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

    Upon arrival, emergency protocols were immediately activated by NAMA’s ATC and ground medical teams, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew. A separate United Airlines aircraft flew from Accra to Lagos to transport the passengers onward, following treatment by Nigerian medical personnel. NAMA clarifies that this aircraft was solely for passenger transfer and not a “rescue mission” as has been incorrectly reported.

    NAMA confirms that the airline did not violate any airspace regulations and commends the pilot’s professionalism and sound judgment in prioritizing the safety of all onboard. NAMA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of airspace safety and adhering to international best practices.

    NAMA hopes this clarification will reassure air travellers of the safety of Nigerian airspace and urges analysts to seek accurate information from official sources before commenting on such matters.

  • Aviation Perm Sec Extols NAMA’s Commitment to Safety, Efficiency of Air Travel

    Aviation Perm Sec Extols NAMA’s Commitment to Safety, Efficiency of Air Travel

    The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana has commended the critical role played by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air navigation in the country describing it as “very strategic and pivotal in the nation’s economic development,” even as he eulogised the staff of the agency for their teamwork,  dedication and commitment towards achieving organisational objectives, saying that their collective performance was exemplary and deserving of emulation.

     He charged staff of the agency to remain committed to teamwork, emphasizing its role in achieving collective goals. “Teamwork is the foundation of success, and your dedication will continue to propel NAMA to greater heights,” he stated.

    Dr Kana who made these remarks during a working tour of the agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja noted NAMA’s vision to be a leading air navigation service provider in the world aligned  with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo’s strategic goals for the aviation sector, which were also in sync with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to elevate the aviation industry.

    Acknowledging the challenges posed by the fluctuating dollar exchange rate, the Permanent Secretary reiterated government’s commitment to addressing funding challenges in the sector and pledged to collaborate with the Honourable Minister to secure the necessary funding to support the agency’s projects.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NAMA, Engr Ahmed Umar Farouk expressed gratitude for the Permanent Secretary’s visit, acknowledging the significance of him taking time to tour all the offices at the headquarters of the agency which he described as the “heart of the aviation industry,” emphasizing that safety remains sacrosanct in NAMA’s operations.

    He highlighted some of the challenges facing the organization to include funding for critical navigational infrastructure, stating that some of the agency’s projects were currently 50% completed while efforts were being made to source for more funding.

    Engr Farouk however expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of the Permanent Secretary and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to ensure the successful completion of these projects. Farouk also revealed plans by the agency to commence work on the building of its corporate headquarters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with the groundbreaking ceremony for the project to be performed by the Honourable Minister.

  • NAMA Attains ISO 9001: 2015 Certification

    NAMA Attains ISO 9001: 2015 Certification

    The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has approved the elevation of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to its certification category of ISO 9001:2015. The agency attained the certification recently after undergoing a strenuous certification audit by representatives of ISO and coming out successful based on the listed clauses.

    The certification audit took representatives of ISO to the five international airports (Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu), Aeronautical Information Services (AIS), charts, and Aeronautical Publications. Personnel competencies, required working tools, office environment, and documentation were also audited. 

    Speaking at the presentation of the certificate at NAMA headquarters annex in Lagos, the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Ahmed Umar Farouk who was represented by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr John Tayo said “As a mandatory requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS), the attainment of the ISO certification is yet another landmark achievement by NAMA in its quest to continue to raise the bar in air navigation service provision.”

    He expressed confidence that the ISO certification would further enhance customer satisfaction as NAMA products and services would be timely and reliable and have a lower error rate. “For us in NAMA, this certification is a renewed assurance to airlines and other stakeholders that we are poised for excellence as we work assiduously towards enhancing the safety and reliability of the Nigerian airspace,” Farouk said.

  • NAMA Debunks Story on Resumption of Helicopter Fee

    NAMA Debunks Story on Resumption of Helicopter Fee

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) hereby dissociates itself from a trending story to the effect that it is planning a reintroduction of the $300 landing fee from helicopter operators in the country. This issue has been put on hold since May 2024 with the intervention of the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, who, along with the agency, is still consulting with critical stakeholders on the matter.  The insinuation, therefore, is baseless and unofficial and was never contemplated by the agency.

    NAMA wishes to use this medium and disabuse the minds of operators and airspace users generally about the said misleading publication. To avoid doubt, the agency, as a law-abiding corporate citizen of this country, cannot embark on such a venture without recourse to extant rules and adequate input and buy-in from the concerned stakeholders.

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), therefore, uses this medium to advise helicopter operators to go about their legitimate duties as the agency continues to work assiduously to ensure the safety of air navigation in the country.

  • NAMA Boss Pushes for Productivity and Innovation

    NAMA Boss Pushes for Productivity and Innovation

    The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr Ahmed Umar Farouk, has charged general managers in the agency to ensure that NAMA’s processes and procedures maintain optimal standards to keep pace with those of air navigation service providers (ANSPs) globally. This, Engr Farouk said could be attained through enhanced productivity, efficient service delivery and innovation.

    The NAMA MD who spoke while declaring open the 2024 General Managers’ Retreat which held in Keffi, Nassarawa State said this charge became imperative given that the burden of implementation of the strategic plan of the agency rested squarely on the shoulders of general managers as they “are the trigger point to drive and achieve NAMA’s mission statement.’’

    Represented at the event by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr John Tayo, Farouk maintained that general managers as the link between staff and management played a crucial function in the policy making process of the agency through invaluable advice and feedback from the workforce, stressing that  that in recognition of this onerous duty, management was “making serious efforts to provide the right enabling work environment as well as incentives to the general managers to ensure their duties are discharged seamlessly and efficiently.” He expressed confidence that “these incentives would further motivate you towards the achievement of the agency’s set goals and further ensure that you are accorded the status befitting of your positions as industry best practice dictates.”

    The NAMA helmsman also enjoined managers to remain resilient in the face of daunting challenges.     “I believe you are capable of matching your strength with the challenges ahead and I believe that rising from this meeting, you will chat a new course for NAMA and aviation industry in general,” Farouk said.

    Earlier in her remarks, the chairperson of NAMA general managers’ forum, Dr Joy Umeh appreciated NAMA management for the “remarkable steps taken to ensure improved working conditions for general managers and the generality of the workforce,” noting that “this move has greatly improved our operations and created a conducive environment for effective coordination and excellence.” Dr Umeh also enjoined her colleagues to “explore the advantages of collaboration, synergy and networking among the departments as this would that foster growth, harmony and development within the system.”

    This year’s retreat with the title: Effective Leadership & Resource Management in the Provision of Air Navigation Services in a Depressed Economy attracted top management staff of the agency and featured presentation of papers by academics and resource persons as well as panel discussions on the way forward for the agency in a challenging economy.

    Signed:

  • NAMA prioritizes Capacity Building

    NAMA prioritizes Capacity Building

    …trains Air Traffic Controllers

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has between December 2023 and now, conducted an Annual Proficiency Check for 339 air traffic controllers in conjunction with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as well as Promotion Proficiency Check for another set of 69 air traffic controllers. In the same vein, the agency has conducted the English Language Proficiency Check for 243 controllers in accordance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (NCAR) Part II to close existing gaps ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).

    The Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Farouk Ahmed Umar, who made this disclosure during the annual air traffic management workshop of the agency which held at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, listed other the achievements of his ten-month administration in the area of air traffic management to include  a total of 87 air traffic controllers in the agency who had passed the NCAA Certification Examination Rating on Aerodrome, Approach and Area (Procedural and Surveillance), and another set of 91 air traffic controllers who got new or renewed Air Traffic Control (ATC) licences in compliance with ICAO Document (9426).

    Engr Farouk who was represented at the event by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr John Tayo, also announced that as part of moves to enhance capacity, the Air Traffic Control 3-D Tower Simulator at Lagos Centrex was about to be fully deployed for use by controllers while efforts were ongoing for a replication of similar facilities in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano airports.

     While enjoining air traffic controllers across the nation to remain dedicated to their duties, the NAMA boss stated that the policy direction of his administration was targeted towards optimizing the capacity of critical personnel through training, retraining and capacity building as this, according to him, would in turn enhance maximum and efficient use of communication, navigation and surveillance infrastructure across the country.

  • NAMA signs pact with Ekiti Govt on Provision of Air Traffic Services at New Airport

    NAMA signs pact with Ekiti Govt on Provision of Air Traffic Services at New Airport

    As part of measures to ensure a seamless takeoff of the newly established Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ekiti State Government. The MOU which was signed at the agency’s headquarters annex, Murtala Mohammed airport, Lagos, over the weekend attracted top officials of Ekiti state government as well as NAMA.

    In his welcome remarks at the event, the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Farouk Ahmed Umar noted that the signing of the MOU or Service Level Agreement represented a mutual commitment to excellence and “a shared dedication to delivering an exceptional result,” as the MOU outlined a joint responsibility, expectation and standard for air traffic control services, adding that the epochmaking event served as a foundation for a partnership between NAMA and the Ekiti State Government, which according to him, would ensure that both parties worked together seamlessly and efficiently for the effective takeoff and operation of the airport.

    Engr Farouk who was represented by the NAMA Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mrs Isemiuhonmon Rita Egbadon maintained that the MOU was more than a contract; “it is a symbol of action, cooperation and shared vision.” He described the signing of the document as “a pledge to uphold the highest standards of quality and performance by both parties, to foster open communication and transparency, to embrace credibility and adaptability in an ever-changing environment, given that aviation is a catalyst for the development of any economy.”

    “If we are able to uphold the tenets of this agreement, we would be able to reap the fruits of our labour. We shall prioritize customer satisfaction and success of this project. We are not just signing a contract. We are making a promise to each other and to our customers. Let us work together to achieve greatness and make this partnership a shining example of collaboration and excellence,” the NAMA boss said.   

    Also in her remarks, the Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, who represented the state governor noted that the event marked a crucial moment as the state advanced towards enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of airspace and air traffic management, particularly as the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti was at the verge of full operation. She expressed optimism that the establishment of the cargo airport would boost tourism, facilitate smoother and safer air travel and subsequently contribute to economic growth, job creation, and improved connectivity for Ekiti State citizens.

     She described the partnership with NAMA as a testament to the shared commitment of both parties to advancing the development of aviation infrastructure and services in Nigeria.

    “The primary objective of this MoU is to foster a collaborative partnership that will lead to effective air traffic management systems and ensure the highest standards of safety for all airspace users. We aim to leverage NAMA’s expertise and resources to achieve these goals,” Adubiaro said. While assuring the agency of the commitment of the state to ensuring the successful implementation of the MoU, Dr Adubiaro reiterated that collaboration with NAMA would be guided by mutual respect and transparency.

  • Enhancing Airspace Safety in Nigeria: High-Level Delegation Meets with Indra Systema in Spain

    Enhancing Airspace Safety in Nigeria: High-Level Delegation Meets with Indra Systema in Spain

    In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for advancing air safety and security in Nigeria, a high-powered Nigerian delegation is currently in Spain for crucial discussions on airspace advancements.

    The delegation includes the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar; and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar. Their visit focuses on exploring and implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance the security and safety of Nigerian airspace.

    Other members of the Nigerian delegation include key figures from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, such as Engr. Terese Iheanacho, Director of Air Traffic Service, John Tayo, and Engr. Isah Lars, General Manager of Surveillance. Senior military officers in attendance include AVM Daramola, Air Commodore Folaji, Defence Attaché Group Captain Ganiyu, and Wing Commander Chinoko Usman.

    The delegation is engaging with the CEO of Indra Systema of Spain, José Vicente de los Mozos, and his team to discuss and access their capability for Dual Surveillance Systems integrated with a Command and Control system for the military. This state-of-the-art system aims to significantly boost the security framework within Nigeria’s airspace.

    Additionally, discussions are underway for the development of a centralized Air Traffic Management (ATM) system at NAMA’s corporate headquarters. This system is expected to streamline and enhance civil aviation operations across the country, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to adopting advanced technological solutions for airspace management.

    The integration of these systems will significantly bolster the capabilities of both military and civil aviation sectors, ensuring a robust, secure, and efficient airspace management framework for Nigeria.

    This collaboration marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to achieve world-class standards in air navigation and safety. It further solidifies the nation’s commitment to maintaining the highest levels of national security and airspace operational excellence.

  • Automation: NAMA Trains Personnel On Collaborative Procedures

    Automation: NAMA Trains Personnel On Collaborative Procedures

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has held a three-day training workshop on Aeronautical Information Management and collaboration of procedures for top-level management staff of the agency.

    With participants drawn from the Aero-Comms and Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) departments of the agency across the country, the workshop which held in Lagos centred on the collaboration, harmonization and synergy among critical personnel of the agency, highlighting the importance of integrated procedures to enhance seamlessness and efficiency in the collection, processing, storage and dissemination of aeronautical data.

    In his remarks while declaring the workshop open, Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Ahmed Umar Farouk, noted that the training workshop had become imperative as the agency and the aviation industry in general had gone digital in most of their operations, processes and procedures. He therefore charged participants to “brace up for automation which has come to stay in NAMA.”

     The NAMA MD who was represented by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr John Tayo listed the benefits of collaboration between communication and information services integrated procedures to include ensuring implementation of real-time updates of critical data such as NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) and weather reports; creating protocols for collaboration during emergencies to ensure rapid dissemination of vital information; and conducting joint training programs and simulation exercises to improve coordination and response times.

    He listed other benefits to include developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that outline the specific roles and responsibilities of communication and information services personnel in various scenarios; ensuring that personnel are cross-trained to understand the workflows and challenges faced by their counterparts; developing automated systems for data transfer to minimize human error and enhance efficiency, among others.

    “Aero-Comms and AIS departments are the backbone of information management in NAMA given that without information and data, air traffic controllers cannot function, just as pilots cannot fly. The world has moved from analogue system into digital dissemination of Aeronautical Information hence the need for Aeronautical Information Management system which is strictly the responsibility of the two departments,”Engr Farouk said.   

  • NAMA Upgrades Surveillance Systems To Enhance Airspace Safety, Security

    NAMA Upgrades Surveillance Systems To Enhance Airspace Safety, Security

    In a bid to enhance the safety and security of the nation’s airspace, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has embarked on the upgrade of its surveillance infrastructure across the nation’s airports and other remote installations across the country. To this end, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an onsite visit to Spain by critical staff of the agency to inspect some of the facilities as well as engage technology solution providers to address security challenges as well upgrade the agency’s surveillance systems.

    The Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Ahmed Umar Farouk who made this disclosure while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at the agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja noted that the Nigerian Air Force remained a valuable ally to the agency with regards to the safety and security of the nation’s airspace. He recalled that the collaboration between the two agencies over time had been critical to sustaining airspace safety and security in Nigeria. “NAMA handles civil operations, while the Air Force oversees security. Our close collaboration is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace,” the NAMA boss said.

    In his remarks, the leader of the NAF delegation, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdulkadir stated that the Nigerian Air Force had recently enhanced its capabilities to secure the nation’s airspace with new platforms designed for national air defense and stationed with the Air Defense Group in Makurdi, stressing that the NAF had also completed its day training and was close to finishing night trainings, which would enable rapid response and interception of any intruders in the Nigerian airspace.

    He also shared an update on the NAF’s enhanced capabilities to monitor and identify all aircraft entering and exiting the Nigerian airspace, adding that improved collaboration and partnership between NAMA and the NAF would sustain the current security and safety in the nation’s airspace. AVM Abdulkadir described NAMA and NAF as “twin children of the same mother”, saying that NAF’s responsibility for airspace security complements NAMA’s role in airspace management.

    Joint training initiatives aimed at addressing the shortage of Air Traffic Controllers across the country were considered as the Nigerian Air Force training center in Kaduna which recently got accredited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would see at least 20 NAMA staff being trained annually.

  • Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Responds to Misleading Claims

    Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Responds to Misleading Claims

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has addressed the misleading and unfounded claims made by journalist, David Hundeyin during a recent interview on News Central.

    Firstly, the assertion that the Nigerian airspace lacks radar coverage is entirely false. Our radar stations in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and Port-Harcourt are fully operational, providing comprehensive radar services for both terminal and enroute flights. These systems are currently undergoing software upgrades and modernization to enhance our air traffic management services, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.

    Also, the claim regarding the welfare of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers is inaccurate. NAMA is committed to the welfare of its staff, including Air Traffic Controllers, offering competitive salaries and allowances that are not among the lowest globally.

    Regarding the reported “unidentified” aircraft, this term is used in security contexts. The aircraft in question was known to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and its deviation was due to severe weather conditions, specifically a serious thunderstorm on the mentioned date. The circular issued by the NCAA serves to guide airlines in avoiding marked prohibited or restricted areas within Nigerian airspace.

    It is evident that Mr. Hundeyin lacks a thorough understanding of our surveillance systems, leading to his erroneous statements about Primary and Secondary Radar. NAMA remains open to providing accurate information about our services to anyone in need.

    NAMA is steadfast in its mission to deliver safe, effective, economical, and efficient air navigation services across Nigeria. Through robust civil and military coordination, we ensure the security and safety of our airspace. We assure the public that the Nigerian airspace is both safe and secure.

  • NLC Strike: Nigerian Airspace Remains Open-NAMA

    NLC Strike: Nigerian Airspace Remains Open-NAMA

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) hereby assures the general public and airline operators that the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has not in any way affected the operations of the agency as contingency arrangements have been put in place for the processing of flight operations in the five major airports in Nigeria which include Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Enugu.

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) will continue to provide its services to airline operators in spite of the ongoing strike action, in keeping with the agency’s mandate to provide uninterrupted, safe, efficient, and economic air navigation services in the country.

  • 2024 World AIS Day: AIMAN Tasks Keyamo on Implementation of Automation, Review of 50% Deduction

    2024 World AIS Day: AIMAN Tasks Keyamo on Implementation of Automation, Review of 50% Deduction

    …Dr Audu Ibrahim elected AIMAN President

    The Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN) has called on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) to prevail on the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards implementing the Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) Automation in Nigeria. The former President of AIMAN, William George Ngerem who made the call in his address to mark the 2024 World AIS Day appreciated Keyamo for facilitating the approval of a N40 billion intervention fund for NAMA towards the completion of AIS Automation, upgrading of navigational aids, surveillance and communication facilities.

    Ngerem therefore appealed to the Honourable Minister and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr Umar Farouk “to sustain this unprecedented and renewed commitment to bring AIS Automation to completion as it would enhance air to ground communication as well as attract other benefits to the Nigerian airspace.”

    He also appealed to the Federal Government to review its policy on 50% automatic deduction at source from internally generated revenue of Federal Government agencies and ensure that NAMA is exempt from it “due to the critical role the agency plays in the sector,” stressing that the “safety of air travel should be given priority over economic considerations.”   

    In his remarks at the event, the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Umar Farouk disclosed that the agency was on the verge of flagging off the AIS Automation, having attained about 90% completion of the project. He affirmed that the agency was “leaving no stone unturned in its drive to commission this laudable project given that the integration of AIS Automation into the operations of NAMA would boost our revenue generation profile.”

    “We know that digitalization is key to development. We know that AIS Automation will bring about Geographic Information System (GIS) which will guide and enhance our operations. It will also digitalize NOTAM (Notice To Airmen) systems. It will help to automate weather observing systems as well. It will provide pilots with accurate data for operations. It will also help to collaborate in decision making system, so, there is no going back on Automation,” Farouk said.

    Engr Farouk who was represented by the NAMA Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Barr. Isemiuhonmon Rita Egbadon stated that in view of the centrality of AIS Automation to the entire gamut of operations of the agency, several categories of AIS staff had either been trained or were presently undergoing training on automation to ensure that the imminent takeoff is seamless.

    The 2024 World AIS Day celebration which took place in Lagos on also featured the election of new executives to pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years. In the said election, Dr Audu Ibrahim was elected AIMAN President along with other executive members.

    Celebrated annually and globally on 15th of May, as “World AIS/AIM Day,” this year’s event with the theme: Efficient Data Management in an Automated Environment was celebrated at all AIS stations in Nigeria.

    The Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN), an affiliate of the International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Association (IFAIMA) with its members domiciled in Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Nigerian College of Aviation technology (NCAT) – is the body that collects, collates, processes and disseminates aeronautical information necessary for the safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation for all airspace users as prescribed under ANNEX 15 of the Chicago Convention of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

  • NAMA Applauds Minister Keyamo’s Vision for Nigerian Aviation Industry

    NAMA Applauds Minister Keyamo’s Vision for Nigerian Aviation Industry

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) proudly acknowledges the visionary roadmap outlined by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for the advancement of the Nigerian aviation industry. Under his leadership, the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and the invitation to private investors in France to participate in this transformative endeavour has been emphasized.

    Minister Keyamo appealed this while leading a high-powered Nigerian delegation on a four-day bilateral working visit to France. Dubbed the Nigeria France Bilateral Business Forum, the visit aims to strengthen cooperation and explore business opportunities in the aviation sector between both nations.

    Accompanied by esteemed CEOs and directors from various Nigerian aviation agencies, including our very own Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, MD of FAAN, and Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of NCAA, the delegation embarked on a comprehensive aviation business exploration across key cities including Paris, Marseille, Toulouse, and Orly.

    The bilateral business meeting commenced with Minister Keyamo meeting with the Director General of French Civil Aviation, Damien Caze, and his team. Minister Keyamo presented a compelling roadmap for the Nigerian aviation industry, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and inviting private investors to participate in this endeavor.

    During the session, stakeholders from the Nigerian delegation, including MDs of NAMA and FAAN, as well as the acting DG of NCAA, delivered insightful presentations on topics ranging from aircraft financing and insurance to the modernization of navigational equipment and capacity-building initiatives.

    French aviation stakeholders, including PROAVIA, ASTech Paris Region, and BPI France, expressed keen interest in partnering with Nigeria, acknowledging the country’s vast potential in the aviation industry. Vice President of AerCap, Gad Wavomba, also pledged to explore business opportunities with Nigeria, citing the country’s attractiveness for investment.

    Following the meetings in Paris, the delegation will proceed to Marseille, visit the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, and conclude business discussions in Orly with an audience with Thales’ management.

    Minister Keyamo expressed optimism about the outcomes of the visit, stating, “We are confident that this bilateral engagement will pave the way for fruitful collaborations and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation industry.”