…urges FG to Waive Revenue Deductions to Boost Airspace Modernisation
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, has reaffirmed the agency’s strong commitment to enhancing airspace safety, modernising infrastructure, and prioritising human capacity development across all operational levels.
Speaking at the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA), held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja, Farouk commended the association for its choice of theme, “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management.” He described it as timely and fundamental to the future of air traffic management, noting that despite the rapid pace of technological advancement in the aviation sector, the human professional remains the most vital element in ensuring safety and efficiency in the skies.
“Amidst all our technological advancements, the controller — the human professional — remains the most critical component for safety and efficiency in our skies,” he stated.
Farouk congratulated NATCA for its recent international achievements, particularly its growing representation within the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) and the successful hosting of the IFATCA Africa/Middle East Executive Council meeting.
He said these accomplishments were a testament to the association’s increasing global influence and professionalism, which NAMA is proud to share in.
The NAMA boss outlined the agency’s wide-ranging infrastructure transformation programme, describing it as the most ambitious in its history. According to him, under his leadership, NAMA has undertaken the renovation and modernisation of control towers at 11 major airports, including Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.
The agency has also overhauled administrative and technical buildings across key stations in Lagos, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Benin.
He added that NAMA had secured its critical installations with perimeter fencing, ensured uninterrupted power through the deployment of new generators, solar hybrid systems and advanced UPS units, and procured new operational tools, including VHF radios, ILS/DME systems and vehicles.
He noted that these interventions represent capital investments worth tens of billions of naira, underscoring NAMA’s determination to provide world-class working conditions for its personnel.
Farouk declared 2025 as NAMA’s “Year of Capacity Building,” stating that the agency had made record investments in staff training and development. He disclosed that a total of 230 senior managers, including 110 air traffic controllers, had undergone overseas training this year the highest number in NAMA’s history.
In addition, he said nearly 90 percent of the agency’s operational, technical and contract staff had received domestic training in various professional courses and workshops.
To support these efforts, he revealed that the management increased the agency’s training budget by 78 percent over the previous year, describing it as a deliberate decision to align with NAMA’s vision of maintaining global operational standards through continuous human capacity enhancement. “This was a deliberate, strategic decision to ensure that the ‘Human Edge’ is not just a conference theme but an operational philosophy at NAMA,” he stated.
Speaking on staff welfare, the NAMA Managing Director disclosed that the management was on the verge of implementing a new Conditions of Service (COS) once it receives final approval from the National Salaries and Wages Commission.
He explained that the new COS would significantly improve the take-home pay and welfare packages of all NAMA employees, including air traffic controllers, with positive implications for morale and productivity.
While celebrating these milestones, Farouk also drew attention to the funding challenges confronting the agency. He expressed concern over the continuous deductions of between 30 and 50 percent from NAMA’s internally generated revenue, describing the policy as a major constraint to sustaining infrastructural development and airspace safety upgrades.
He therefore appealed to the Federal Government to consider granting the agency a waiver on these deductions to allow for greater reinvestment in safety-critical infrastructure, technology and training.
“This is not just an appeal for NAMA, but an investment in the safety and efficiency of the entire national airspace,” he emphasised. “A waiver would enable us to reinvest every Naira into infrastructure, technology and the continued development of our human capital.”
Farouk reaffirmed NAMA’s commitment to collaboration with NATCA and other stakeholders in the aviation sector, assuring that the agency would continue to support initiatives that promote safety, professional excellence and staff welfare.
He lauded the dedication and professionalism of air traffic controllers, describing them as the custodians of Nigeria’s skies, and pledged that NAMA would remain steadfast as the custodian of their growth and well-being.
In conclusion, the NAMA Chief Executive expressed appreciation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, MNI, for their visionary leadership and continuous support of the agency’s development efforts.
“We are not just preparing for the next generation; we are building it,” Farouk said. “Together, we will ensure a safer, smarter and more efficient Nigerian airspace.”
