NAMA, NAF Strengthen Collaboration for Enhanced Airspace Safety, Security
- Air Force to train 20 NAMA staff to enhance manpower disposition
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk has highlighted the critical roles played by both NAMA and the Nigerian Air Force in ensuring airspace safety and security, stressing that while the aviation agency handles civil operations, NAF oversees security.
He stated that the close collaboration between NAF and NAMA is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace.
Farouk made the disclosure when he hosted a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), led by Air Vice Marshal A. Abdulkadir, Chief of Training and Operations, at NAMA headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s airspace security.
The discussion included joint training initiatives aimed at addressing the shortage of Air Traffic Controllers across the country.
The NAF’s Air Traffic Services Training Centre domiciled in Kaduna which has been accredited as an Approved Training Organisation by the NCAA, would admit at least 20 NAMA staff for training annually to enhance manpower disposition and deployability and cover identified gaps.
He said, “NAMA handles civil operations, while the Air Force oversees security. Our close collaboration is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace,” he stated. He also announced that due to ongoing security challenges, NAMA has proposed an enhanced surveillance system upgrade. This initiative has led to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approving a visit to Spain for an onsite inspection of some facilities and engaging with technology solution providers to address the current security challenges as well as upgrade NAMA’s surveillance.”
On his part, Air Vice Marshal Abdulkadir shared an update on the NAF’s enhanced capabilities to monitor and identify all aircraft entering and exiting Nigerian airspace.
He emphasized that improved collaboration between NAMA and the NAF is crucial for preventing encroachment into prohibited areas, particularly the Presidential Villa, which has experienced recent violations.
According to AVM Abdulkadir, the Nigerian Air Force has recently enhanced its capabilities to secure the nation’s airspace with new platforms designed for national air defence, stationed with the air defence group in Makurdi, noting that the NAF has recently completed its day training and is close to finishing night training, which will enable rapid response and interception of any intruders in the Nigerian airspace.
Abdulkadir also emphasized the importance of the air safety critical partnership between NAMA and NAF describing it as “Twin children of the same mother”, while stressing that NAF’s responsibility for airspace security complements NAMA’s role in airspace management.
The delegation from the Nigerian Air Force also included the Director of Air Traffic Services, Air Commodore N.B. Folaji, and the Assistant Director of Air Traffic Management, Wing Commander H.N. Gumut.
The MD of NAMA was joined by Muonemeh Ndubuisi Lotenna, Director of Finance and Accounts; John Tayo, Director of Air Traffic Services; Abimbola Ladipo, Director of Human Resources and Administration; Engr. Ijeoma Ihenachor, Director of Safety Electronic and Engineering Services; Abdulahi Musa, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection; and Ibrahim Aliyu, Director of Corporate Services.
This collaboration between NAMA and the Nigerian Air Force underscores their joint commitment to enhancing the safety and security of Nigeria’s airspace, ensuring that both civil and military operations are conducted with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
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