Funding critical navigational infrastructure is our major challenge – NAMA MD

Pic: Engineer Ahmed Umar Farouk, NAMA Managing Director

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engineer Ahmed Umar Farouk says funding critical navigational infrastructure is one of the challenges facing the agency.

Farouk stated that some of the agency’s projects were currently 50% completed while efforts were being made to source for more funding.

Engr Farouk stated this while welcoming the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, to the headquarters of the agency in Abuja last week.

Acknowledging the significance of Kana taking time to tour all the offices at the headquarters of the agency, he described NAMA as the “heart of the aviation industry,” emphasizing that safety remains sacrosanct in NAMA’s operations.

He 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 in 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 minister.

Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, commended NAMA for ensuring the safety and efficiency of air navigation in the country.

Kana described the NAMA”s role as very strategic and pivotal in the nation’s economic development and 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.

He 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.