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Tag: Nigerian Airspace Management Agency

  • Shaping Africa’s Public Service for Global Impact: A Critical Look at the AIG Public Leaders Programme

    Shaping Africa’s Public Service for Global Impact: A Critical Look at the AIG Public Leaders Programme

    …This initiative reflects a broader trend observed globally: the recognition that leadership development is crucial for reform

     Across the globe, effective public service stands as the cornerstone of sustainable governance and development. From Europe to Asia, the drive to professionalise public administration has transformed nations by ensuring citizens receive timely, efficient and equitable services. In Africa—where rapid urbanisation, economic transformation and social inclusion remain at the forefront of developmental agendas—public service reform is not merely an administrative necessity but a bold vision for achieving resilient, empowered communities.

    In Nigeria and throughout the continent, the challenges are well documented. Public sectors often grapple with underfunding, inefficient processes and inadequate capacity-building initiatives. The absence of robust institutions leaves millions facing inequality, with gaps in service delivery hindering economic progress. Yet, these challenges also present a unique opportunity: a call to reimagine public service as a transformative force that can uplift communities, empower citizens and drive economic growth.

    Against this backdrop, the AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP) emerges as a noteworthy initiative. Established by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation in 2021 and developed in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, the programme is designed not as a quick fix but as a long-term investment in leadership excellence. Its intensive curriculum is tailored to equip public sector leaders with the analytical tools, strategic insights and mentoring support necessary to navigate the complexities of modern governance.

    What sets the AIG PLP apart is its commitment to practical, measurable outcomes. Participants not only engage in world-class training but are also tasked with real-world challenges through a reform project, which encourages innovative solutions to entrenched problems across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. For instance, an alumnus of the programme reengineered operations at a Primary Healthcare Centre, reducing patient waiting times dramatically—a model now poised for replication across Nigeria and beyond. In addition to this achievement, the initiative has spurred transformative changes in other critical sectors. At the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, efforts under the programme contributed to the development of Africa’s first standardised on-the-job training manual for Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel, significantly enhancing aviation safety and operational efficiency. Similarly, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has benefited from an automated dossier review process that resolved a 15-year backlog in regulatory approvals, thereby accelerating access to essential medicines.

    This initiative reflects a broader trend observed globally: the recognition that leadership development is crucial for reform. Across continents, countries are investing in tailored training programmes that empower public servants to be more responsive, efficient and innovative. In Africa—and Nigeria in particular—such efforts are vital. With populations that are rapidly expanding and economies in constant flux, the need for a well-equipped, agile public sector cannot be overstated.

    The statistics behind the programme’s impact are telling. Over 230 reform projects already reshaping the public sector landscape have been instituted across various Ministries, Departments and Agencies by the participants of the programme, and a call for applications for the next cohort is currently underway.

    In Nigeria, where administrative reforms have the potential to redefine governance and public welfare, the AIG PLP offers a model worth emulating. Its comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate challenges but also builds a sustainable pipeline of leaders capable of steering long-term change. The initiative reinforces the idea that strategic investments in human capital are essential for creating resilient institutions, capable of driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for millions.

    Ultimately, the future of Africa’s public service hinges on the cultivation of visionary leaders who can bridge global best practices with local realities. The AIG Public Leaders Programme serves as a compelling reminder that, when public servants are empowered with the right skills and insights, transformative change is not only possible—it becomes inevitable. One leader, one organisation, one innovative solution at a time, Africa is shaping its own future.

  • Federal Ministry of Aviation, NAMA, NNPCL confirm Helicopter Crash

    Federal Ministry of Aviation, NAMA, NNPCL confirm Helicopter Crash

    The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have confirmed a helicopter crash that occurred today in South-South, Nigeria.

    The helicopter accident that occurred today at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt ditched into waters at Bonny Finima (Atlantic Ocean). The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by Eastwind Aviation, engaged by NNPC Limited, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig. There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 Crew members) with fuel endurance of 0215. Rescue operations so far have recovered 3 bodies.

    Search and Rescue coordination activities were activated in NAMA while details of the incident were escalated to the Honourable Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Bonny tower, Osubi tower and Escravos tower for further actions.

    Other emergency response teams were immediately activated, and search and rescue operations are ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, and other relevant agencies. Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified for support.

    While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway, and all available resources and emergency services and organizations, including the military and low-flying aircraft, helicopters have been engaged and deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any floating objects or survivor(s). So far, three bodies have been recovered.

    Neigbouring aerodromes and adjacent airspaces have also been contacted.

    More details shall be provided as they unfold.

  • NATCA solicits Confirmation of Pwajok, inducted Newly rated ATCOs

    The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) has entreated the Honourable Minster of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika to accelerate the confirmation of the Actg. Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Matthew Lawrence Pwajok as the substantive Managing Director/Chief executive of the agency.

    Speaking during his welcome address at the association’s 51st annual general meeting/conference which held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the President of NATCA, Abayomi Agoro said his association was impressed by the performance of the new management team in NAMA led by Pwajok and put in place by Sirika, stressing that “we speak for majority of our members in soliciting that the Honourable Minister of Aviation graciously extend his usual Midas touch in seeking the confirmation of Mr Matthew Lawrence Pwajok as the substantive Managing Director/Chief Executive of NAMA.”

    Agoro who lauded the new management team under Pwajok for the progress being made in the upgrade of navigational infrastructure across the country noted that “the Air Traffic Controller remained the centerpiece in the changes and improvements being made in NAMA with the introduction of new procedures and even the deployment of newer solutions.”

    Earlier in his remarks, the Actg. Managing Director, Mr Matthew Lawrence Pwajok said as part of management’s response to the “unacceptable increase in mortality rate among Air Traffic Controllers” and as a measure to “arrest incidences of fatal health issues among controllers,” the agency recently implemented the health insurance scheme for workers just as it was committed to increasing the medical allowances of NATCA members.

    Mr Pwajok who was represented by the Actg. Director of Operations, Mr Haske Jibrin revealed that despite the challenging fiscal environment, management had conducted more professional, operational and specialized trainings for controllers lately. He recalled that 16 Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) were trained in Basic Procedure Design and Airspace Planning in Cairo, Egypt in the first quarter of 2022, just as 12 ATCOs were also trained in Nairobi, Kenya in Search and Rescue Mission Operation at about the same time, and another 8 ATCOs who were in Czech Republic for the Multilateration (MLAT) operational training much earlier in the year (2022). The NAMA boss said all these trainings were part of the requirements for the development of capacity for the production of maps and charts including Visual Flight Rules (VFR) charts, in an effort to achieve a seamless conduct of the ICAO Universal Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).

    The Actg. MD also noted that as part of the agency’s strategic plan to ensure total voice and data communication coverage for the oceanic and remote continental parts of the Nigerian airspace, as well as sequential management of arrival and departure of air traffic at terminal phase of flight, NAMA had trained 16 ATCOs in the Phase II of Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) in Paris, France while an additional 12  are to undergo Search and Rescue Mission Coordinators’ Training course in Nairobi, Kenya.

    Meanwhile, a total of 9 newly rated and licensed Air Traffic Controllers have been inducted by NATCA as full-fledged members of the association. They include 5 NAMA staff, 3 Army officers (to provide air traffic services at the air wing of the Nigerian Army) and 1 Air Force officer. The induction was sequel to the Basic Aerodrome and Approach training as well as flying experience at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, (NCAT) Zaria. They also underwent on-the-job (OJT) for 6 months at major airports after which they sat for Aerodrome and Approach rating examination conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and were all successful.

    Administering the induction, the President of NATCA, Abayomi Agoro charged them to be of good conduct as “ambassadors of our reputable association,” stressing that NATCA as an umbrella body of Air Traffic Controllers in Nigeria was poised to see to the welfare and wellbeing of members.

  • NAMA Announces Demise of Aniekan Inuk Effiong on Duty

    NAMA Announces Demise of Aniekan Inuk Effiong on Duty

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) hereby announces with utmost grief, the passing of Mr. Aniekan Inuk Effiong, an air traffic controller with the agency, at Abuja station, today, the 22nd of November, 2021. Until his death, late Effiong was an Assistant General Manager, Operations.

    Mr Effiong reported to duty at the Abuja Approach Radar Control (TRACON) on the 21st of November 2021 (yesterday) at 6pm without any sign of illness whatsoever. He was to close by 7am the next day (today). However, at about 4am this morning, he experienced difficulty in breathing. FAAN ambulance was called to evacuate him to the nearest medical facility. He was immediately taken to the Air Force base clinic where he died.

    Mr. Effiong was a hardworking and dedicated staff who died at the prime of his career. He will be missed by the entire NAMA community. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

  • NAMA’s Director of Finance and Accounts dies

    NAMA’s Director of Finance and Accounts dies

    Mr. Aniefiok Umoh, the Director of Finance and Accounts of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has died on Sunday, the 8th of August, 2021, after a brief illness.

    A native of Akwa Ibom State, late Aniefiok Umoh, was attended Accra Polytechnic, and Methodist University College, both in Ghana, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting respectively. He started his banking career in 1977, with the then Barclays Bank of Nigeria (now Union Bank). He later transferred his services to MedAfrica Shipping Line, Lagos in 1985 as an accountant.

    The late Umoh held a number of leadership positions at corporate levels in some blue-chip organizations. For instance, he was an Executive Director, Astraeus Airline, Ghana for over 9 years and Finance Director, Air Chartered Services, also in Ghana.

    Umoh was appointed Director, Finance and Accounts (DFA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in 2017. Prior to this time, he was General Manager, Accounts, at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    Upon assumption of office in NAMA, Umoh brought his rich experience in finance to bear as he ensured that the agency’s accounting practices met statutory requirements and were in tandem with professional standards. His stint at the agency was responsible for the implementation of financial strategies including accuracy, transparency and timeliness of financial disclosures, critical to management business plan development.

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) hereby uses this opportunity to appreciate everyone for your prayers, support and words of encouragement all through this trying period. While we mourn his painful exit, it is worthy of note that Mr Umoh lived a good life and we take solace in the fact that he has gone to be with his creator. He is survived by his wife and children.

     

  • NAMA Simulates Aircraft Accident Search and Rescue Operation

    NAMA Simulates Aircraft Accident Search and Rescue Operation

    Ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit coming up by first quarter of 2022, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Saturday joined forces with critical stakeholders in  aviation emergency International Civil Aviation Organization operations  to conduct a live aeronautic simulation of an air crash which occurred at the Mafoluku area of Oshodi in Lagos, a few meters from Runway 18 Left and the local airport, Ikeja.

    Code named “SAREXNAMA 2021,” the search and rescue exercise focused on a disaster that could result from an air crash and create mass casualty incident which requires a coordinated response from critical stakeholders saddled with the responsibility of managing aviation emergencies.  The mock air crash search and rescue exercise involved an aircraft with registration No. ZYMMM from Abuja to Accra. The aircraft diverted to Lagos due to electrical problem, and on board were 38 souls including 4 crew. 15 survivors were rescued while 23 others were unaccounted for.

    Addressing participants at the end of the exercise, the convener of the exercise and Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu expressed delight for the huge turnout by different agencies and stakeholders. The NAMA boss however noted that several gaps were observed during the exercise especially in the areas of coordination and response to alert, even as he assured that the agency would work assiduously with relevant stakeholders in order to close the said gaps.

    Participants included all the aviation agencies, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Air Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the Nigerian Red Cross, as well as Caverton Helicopters, among others.

    As specified by the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of ICAO Annex 12, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation Pt. 14 of 2005, NAMA Search and Rescue Manual and the National Disaster Response Plan by NEMA, in accordance with Act 12 of 1999 constitution,  the mock search and rescue operation is  being coordinated by NAMA annually in order to test the procedures and communication between NAMA and other agencies involved in search and rescue and their collaboration; ascertain the prompt response of NAMA facilities and personnel to an incident, ascertain the preparedness of other agencies involved in the exercise and their response to alert as well as verify the operability of the joint rescue coordination centre.

    The exercise also seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of all functional elements of NAMA Search and Rescue systems and their collaboration with other organizations within and outside the airport in the event of an emergency.

     

  • Air Safety under threats as ATCs lament deplorable state of towers, equipment, illegal recruitment

    Air Safety under threats as ATCs lament deplorable state of towers, equipment, illegal recruitment

    If there is anything, the Air Traffic Controllers in Nigeria will like the Federal Government to do for them, it is to relieve them of the stress they go through on a daily basis in trying to ensure safe air navigation in the country.

    This stress they say comes from the deplorable state of their working environment, that is the control tower and the dilapidated facilities they work with.

    The President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, NATCA, Abayomi Agoro who lamented in an interview with journalists say, many control towers like the ones in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto Calabar, and elsewhere do not have chairs for controllers to sit and do their jobs, washrooms to obey the call of nature and in some cases leaking roofs and the personnel have to use umbrellas to protect them from the rain and sun.

    “Calabar is a serious deplorable state, even though, we heard the management is looking to put things in order”.

    “Katsina today when you have a one-man watch and there is no facility for him to go and ease himself. He is a human being, just to urinate, are we saying he is going to get a bottle to urinate? Or descend the tower? If he descends, he is in breach of his professional ethics. So, what do you expect that person to do?

    In Katsina, no restroom was provided, nothing, we are not just making claims, all these are verifiable these are facts that are there. Also, you mentioned Kano, Kano has a fine building and that is all. The facility inside unfortunately is a failure”.

    He explained that even buildings called control towers were not really towers but watch rooms meant for other aviation personnel where ATCs have to manage to ensure safe air navigation.

    “As I am talking to you now, some airports do not even have functioning equipment. Even, the Kaduna we are talking about, Kaduna does not have a control tower that they are using there is a watch room (for fire fighters), which is not built for that purpose and we have been calling on the government to do something. We go to Sokoto, once it rains today, controllers will go to look for umbrellas to sit at the control tower and what is it, some of the control towers attached to the terminal buildings some were ceded to FAAN, while those standing alone were with NAMA, but we have approached the two organization. The lift too, NAMA will be waiting for FAAN to put it in order, FAAN will say is it our staff that is working there and that is simply due to bureaucracy and you now discover controllers will continue to suffer”.

    “We are still battling with terrestrial radio frequency, communication here and there. Calabar is there; there is no airport you will go to today that you would say things are working 80 percent”.

    Apart from the above, Agoro says, Communication facilities were also an issue as the controllers were currently grappling with terrestrial frequency, Communication among others.

    He emphasized that the icing on the cake of these numerous problems was the recruitment of persons not qualified or fit for the ATC job by the Human Resources in NAMA, without following due process, alleging that the HR in NAMA had hijacked the process to bring people from a particular area of the country, a development he described as inimical to air safety and can dampen the morale of other ATCs.

    “To be an ATC, there are two critical things there: your technical knowledge and your fair attitude. But, we find it so disheartening to hear that NAMA has arranged a recruitment exercise in which we, as an associate are not even aware of it.

    The recruitment of ATCs has a due process to follow. First, you place an advert and where you don’t place, you ensure that you make the information go round as much as possible, so that people can apply. Then, they will now go for what we call technical evaluation and other assessments. From there, you select the best of them. In this case, we only heard that 40 people were shortlisted. Who are these people?”.

    Then, who are the people that are supposed to be in charge of recruitment of ATCs? It is not the duty of NAMA HR, it is the duty of the professionals, the directorate in charge. How do you expect somebody who does not know anything about a profession to now be the one to recruit, to source it, is it because now recruitment of ATC is no longer casualized?.

    “Today, they do all kinds of things and go and meet people in Abuja, they have a space to employ people and they do all kinds of things, which is very dangerous to safety”.

    He adds, “The issue is that the recruitment is not transparent and does not follow due process and moreover let me also say, the number of air traffic controllers we need to shore up the gap is not that 40 if they really want to address that it should be a nationwide thing, for now, the number of ATCs we have is far less than 400 and by this year to next year quite a number of our senior ATCs will be retiring”.

    The body pleaded that concerned stakeholders verify their claims as they were in dare need of improvement in the safety of air navigation.

    “Verify, everything we say, everything we mentioned here, we are not being emotional, we are angry because if the system demands I put my whole life into it, I expect the system to provide me the working tools to be able to do that. I’ve not spent close to two years ab initio in the training school for me to qualify as a professional and for me to be frustrated by a system that does not want me to give my best”.

  • NAMA trains, certifies 24 new ATCOs

    NAMA trains, certifies 24 new ATCOs

    In a bid to boost capacity and efficiency of air traffic management in the country the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has obtained licenses for 24 newly recruited air traffic control officers from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) after successfully undergoing the necessary training and examination on Aerodrome and Approach Control. The new air traffic controllers are currently being posted to strategic aerodromes in the country according to their need.

    In the same vein the agency has also recertified a total of 30 air traffic controllers in different categories air traffic control including Terminal Approach Radar, Area Procedural Control and Area Surveillance Control after passing the required proficiency/rating tests and certified mentally fit in line with Annex 1 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and part II of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (NCAR).

    Making this disclosure in a statement, the Managing Director of NAMA Capt. Fola Akinkuotu recalled that from year 2020 to date, the agency recertified a total of 194 air traffic controllers in addition to their periodic training and retraining, targeted at keeping them up to speed with latest skills and technology in air traffic management to ensure they remain competitive with their peers globally.

    The NAMA helmsman also revealed that in order to reduce delays and congestion in the nation’s airspace the agency has commenced the construction of Aerodrome and Approach Control simulator at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos as a pilot project to be replicated in Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.

    Akinkuotu who noted that the safety of the Nigerian airspace remained a cardinal goal of the agency also enjoined air traffic controllers to continue putting in their best in order to justify government’s huge investment in building critical infrastructure as well as capacity of personnel.

  • Bandits attack FAAN staff quarters at Kaduna airport, abduct staff and their families

    Bandits attack FAAN staff quarters at Kaduna airport, abduct staff and their families

    …FAAN confirms abduction says security beefed up

    The Kaduna airport was attacked by armed bandits who gained access into the airport through the air side early this morning.

    The bandits were said to have moved into the staff quarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, were they abducted some staff of FAAN, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMET and that of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA and their entire family.

    It is not yet clear how many persons have been taken away by the armed bandits but informing reaching us say about 11 persons have been taken away with two houses attacked and heavy exchange of gunfire is ongoing between security forces and the bandits.

    One of the staff say, “kaduna airport quarters under attack, took away some people, very unfortunate, serious exchange still ongoing! Oh Allah come to our rescue”.

    ” The situation is bad and rough, we are under attack others should help us in prayers”.

    Speaking on the attacks, General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu said the attacks happened early this morning and as briefed by the Kaduna Airport Manager, a staff of FAAN, NiMET and NAMA were kidnapped and taken away.

    She said flights into the airport is not affected as an unscheduled flight landed at the airport this morning, adding that security meeting is ongoing.

  • NAMA debunks Fraud Allegations by Pensioners

    NAMA debunks Fraud Allegations by Pensioners

    The attention of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has been drawn to unsubstantiated claims by some officials of Airspace Management Pensioners Association of Nigeria (AMPAN) to the effect that the agency has been shortchanging its members in their monthly pension payment.

    In a statement making the rounds on social media, Mr Kester Omotayo accused NAMA of “operating two pension structures, perhaps to deliberately cover up or attempt to cover up some sharp practices…” and that “our request for dialogue on the issue has also been rebuffed.”

    The agency makes bold to say that the above allegations are completely spurious and borne out of either malice, ignorance or both.

    The facts on ground are as follows:

    (a) The agency received a correspondence from the pensioners whereby they alleged irregularities in the payment of their entitlements owing to disparity with those of other agencies in the sector.

    (b) Consequently, the agency set up a committee (with membership comprising pensioners themselves) to investigate and come up with findings.

    (c) NAMA does not and will not for any reason, operate two pension accounts. It is an impossibility, given the existing Treasury Single Account (TSA) platform in operation.

    (d) As it stands today, the panel is still sitting and is yet to come up with its findings.

    (e) NAMA is up-to-date in its obligation to pensioners as they have received their November remunerations as at 26th of November, 2020.

    NAMA is therefore startled and disenchanted to hear that some officials of the organization have decided to run to the press on a matter that is still being investigated.

    We make bold therefore to say that the agency runs on a transparent platform with zero tolerance for corruption, even as it is poised to protect and promote the interests of its senior citizens at all times.

  • NAMA Creates New PBN Regional Routes

    NAMA Creates New PBN Regional Routes

    As part of plans to resume international flight operations in the country, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has created 9 new Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Area Navigation 10 (RNAV10) regional routes across the nation’s airspace.

    Making this disclosure in a release, the Managing Director of NAMA Capt. Fola Akinkuotu listed the newly created PBN routes to include UQ300- connecting Lagos to the Central African Republic; UY604-linking Abuja, Port Harcourt to Southern Africa; UQ181- connecting East and Central Africa to Europe through Nigerian airspace and UQ400-connecting southern Africa to North Africa through Nigeria to Europe.

    Also created are UQ324-from Adis Ababa to Niamey through Nigeria; UY333-from Tunisia/Algeria to Lagos; UY87-from East and Central Africa through Nigeria to Accra and Abidjan; UY57-from East and Central Africa through Nigeria coastal airspace to Cotonou, Lome and Abidjan as well as UQ200-connecting Yaonde to Lagos.

    Akinkuotu also disclosed that apart from the PBN routes, NAMA has also created 6 new flight-plannable direct routes. These include OK DCT POLTO; ARDEX DCT EDUKO; LAG DCT XIRON DCT JOS; KORUT DCT KDA; POLTO DCT APRUN DCT DETAR/ KORUT and KELAK DCT POSIB DCT GURAP DCT IBA DCT POLTO.

    The NAMA boss said “the flight-plannable direct routes are to be used by compliant airlines’ flight management systems and would avail them the opportunity of flight- planning and routing within the Nigerian airspace from an entry point direct to an exit point without recourse to existing Air Traffic service (ATS) route network.”

    Explaining further, Akinkuotu said the agency embarked on the above initiative to enhance regional connectivity, reduce flight time as well as fuel consumption for airlines, reduce C02 emission into the environment and reduce cost to operators, even as he said the move would also reduce pilot workload and enhance airspace capacity.

  • Nigerian Airports not Shut to Foreign Airlines- NAMA

    Nigerian Airports not Shut to Foreign Airlines- NAMA

    The attention of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has been drawn to insinuations making the rounds in certain quarters that Nigerian Airports have been shut to international flights until the middle of October, 2020. Indeed, such speculations are entirely untrue.

     Following the receipt of an All Operators Letter (NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/152) from NCAA, the agency issued an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) titled “Phased Resumption of Domestic Flights” on 7th July 2020 to the effect that Lagos and Abuja airports will open for domestic flight operations on 8th July, Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Maiduguri and Uyo opens on 11th July and all other airports on 15th July 2020.

     Furthermore, paragraph 9 of the AIC states that “The closure of Nigerian Airports to all international flights with the exception of emergency and essential flights, and scheduled cargo operations with approved summer schedules, will continue until a date of resumption is approved”.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the agency on the 15th July 2020, in line with international standards, issued a 3-month duration NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) (from 15th July to 15th October 2020) stating that the Federal Government of Nigeria has extended the closure of the nation’s airports to all international flights with the exception of aircraft in a state of emergency, however approval may be requested and granted to:

    1.       Overflights

    2.       Operations related to humanitarian aids

    3.       Medical relief flights

    4.       Alternate aerodrome in the flight plan and also those being used for extended diversion time operation

    5.       Technical landings where passengers do not disembark

    6.       Cargo flights and other safety-related operations.

    From the foregoing, there was no indication that the closure of Nigerian airports to international flights was from 15th July to 15th October 2020. However, the NOTAM was issued for a minimum duration of 3 months in view of the fact that a specific date for resumption of international flights has not been confirmed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation nor the Director General of NCAA. 

    Finally, while the agency looks forward anxiously towards the reopening of Nigerian airports to international flights, we wish to clarify that the import of the said NOTAM and AIC is NOT that Nigerian airports remain closed till 15th October 2020.

    Therefore, we crave the indulgence of our customers, airspace users and the general public to disregard the misconception being circulated as Nigerian airports will reopen to international flights at any date the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Aviation and NCAA consider it safe, secure, and appropriate.

  • Flight Resumption: NAMA enhances Search and Rescue Facilities

    Flight Resumption: NAMA enhances Search and Rescue Facilities

    Ahead of the planned resumption of flights in the country, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has procured sophisticated search and rescue equipment to boost its aeronautical search and rescue capability across the Nigerian airspace. The equipment which are being distributed among the nation’s Rescue Coordination Centers (Lagos and Kano) and Rescue Subcenters (Abuja, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Enugu, Ilorin and Sokoto) include plotting facilities, communication facilities, medical supplies and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) documents among others.

    The plotting equipment include workstations (for digital plotting) and topographical maps for manual plotting). Communication equipment include very high frequency (VHF) radios, high frequency (HF) radios, megaphones as well as Search and Rescue dedicated satellite telephones which can work outside a network area.  ICAO documents include IAMSAR Manual Volume 1,2 and 3 as well as Annex 12 Search and Rescue Preparation Manual.  Other items procured include multifunctional photocopiers, laptops, printers, professional torchlights, status boards, computer desktops and personal locator beacons.

     Speaking on this development the Managing Director of NAMA Capt. Fola Akinkuotu said the agency took steps to procure the equipment in order enhance its preparedness and efficiency in Search and Rescue coordination in the event of any occurrence, especially given that the airports were about to be reopened to commercial activities. “For instance the workstations which came with software applications for digital and faster plotting will aid our personnel in precisely locating where an incident or accident occurred,” he said.

    Akinkuotu also revealed that in addition to the facility upgrade, the agency recently recruited experienced Search Mission Coordinators to be on 24 hours watch at both the Rescue Coordination Centers and Rescue Subcenters, saying that dedicated telephone numbers and email addresses of the above Search and Rescue centers have been published in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).

    “So, having beefed up the capacity of  Search and Rescue unit at the two Rescue Coordination Centers and at the six Rescue Subcenters in the country, NAMA is more prepared than ever before in terms of human capacity as well as equipment upgrade.

    Also, note that in the last couple of years, the agency has trained different categories of critical personnel both in Nigeria and outside the country in Search and Rescue Coordinator courses in line with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs),” the NAMA boss said

  • NAMA relocates Corporate headquarters to Abuja

    NAMA relocates Corporate headquarters to Abuja

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) hereby wishes to inform its customers, stakeholders and the general public of the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Lagos to Abuja. This is in compliance with the recent directive from the Federal Ministry of Aviation asking all agencies in the sector to relocate operational headquarters to the nation’s capital in a bid to ensure efficient and effective coordination and enhanced service delivery between the Ministry and its agencies.

    Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu and other critical staff of the agency have since relocated to the new NAMA headquarters located at No. 6 Ogbia Close, Off Arochukwu Street, Garki 2, Abuja, in strict adherence to the above directive while arrangements are being made for other strategic staff to follow suit in due course.

    The agency hereby admonishes all enquiries and correspondences henceforth to be channeled through the above address (No. 6 Ogbia Close, Off Arochukwu Street, Garki 2, Abuja). 

    Accordingly, all NAMA social media handles have been adjusted to reflect this change.

  • Women Aviators donate items to NAMA

    Women Aviators donate items to NAMA

    In a bid to contribute towards flattening the Coronavirus curve especially in the aviation sector, professional women aviators in the industry under the aegis of International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) in Nigeria have donated face masks and hand sanitizers to the Nigerian Airspace management Agency (NAMA).

    Speaking while presenting the items on behalf of IAWA at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos, NAMA Legal Adviser, Dr Anastasia Gbem said as working mothers who have put in several years in different areas of specialization, their intervention was inspired by the fact that the health of personnel in the aviation industry remained central to the growth and advancement of the industry itself.

    Gbem also noted that as a global organization of professional women advancing their  careers and promoting Nextgen professionals, “IAWA has a strong affiliation and has been networking with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Boeing and other critical stakeholders in the sector towards moving aviation forward.”   

    Receiving the items on behalf of the agency, Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu recalled that from the inception of aviation, the contribution of women in the sector had been legendary, stressing that over time, women had broken several barriers and made useful impacts and contributions which have remained invaluable to the growth and development of the industry. While appreciating the gesture on behalf of management, the NAMA boss assured that the items would be judiciously used for the benefit of staff in the different directorates and departments of the agency.