NAMA’s achievements in one year never happened in isolation – MD

Engineer Farouk Ahmed Umar, Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency

…staff recognised with awards

On December 13, 2023, Engineer Farouk Ahmed Umar was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency with a clear vision and unwavering commitment to operational excellence.

And within the year, the NAMA, under the effective leadership of Engineer Farouk Ahmed Umar, has recorded a lot of achievements in the areas of safety, capacity building, infrastructure development, staff welfare, etc.

Mindful of the significant impact of these positive achievements on the aviation industry and the national economy, the agency, on Monday, December 16, 2024 in Abuja, rolled out drums to mark the one year in office of the Managing Director and also recognize staff who have worked conscientiously in making the achievements possible with various awards.

While speaking at the event, Engineer Farouk reflected on NAMA’s achievements over the past year and noted that the milestones did not happen in isolation but through the support and dedication of the management team and staff.

Applauding his directors, managers and staff, the Managing Director  highlighted key successes under his leadership:

Improved Safety: A remarkable reduction in Air Safety Reports, achieved through strict adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, showcasing enhanced operational safety and efficiency.

Infrastructure Development: Refurbishment of control towers in seven major airports, including Owerri, Sokoto, and Ibadan, with plans underway to extend the effort to six more airports.

Capacity Building: Investment in local and international training programs for air traffic controllers, engineers, and other personnel to align with global best practices.

Energy Efficiency: Upgrades to solar-powered systems, reducing operational costs and ensuring reliable energy supply to critical facilities.

ISO 9001 Certification: Achieved in December 2024, affirming NAMA’s commitment to quality management, safety, and continuous improvement.

Staff Welfare:Clearance of outstanding allowances and implementation of measures to ensure timely payment of staff dues and entitlements.

“Milestones like these don’t happen in isolation,” Engr. Farouk stated, emphasizing the significance of the awards for the staff.

According to him, “The awards being presented tonight are not just plaques or certificates; they represent our appreciation for hard work, commitment, and the kind of excellence that drives NAMA forward. To the recipients, I say congratulations! This recognition is not just a reward but a reminder that your efforts do not go unnoticed. Let this achievement inspire you to even greater contributions. And to every other staff member, let these awards serve as a challenge – because next year, it could be any of you here.”

Speaking on behalf of the directors, Abba Ahmad, mni, Director of Special Duty, and Dr. Abdullahi Musa, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, praised Engr. Farouk for his visionary leadership. They described his tenure as instrumental to NAMA’s tremendous growth and passed a vote of confidence while pledging continued support for his administration.

The staff of the agency expressed their excitement, gratitude, and prayers for even greater achievements in the years ahead.