The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Adam Kambari, has commenced a strategic familiarization tour of key aviation agencies, starting with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in a bid to strengthen institutional efficiency and enhance inter-agency collaboration.
The tour, which will extend to other agencies under the Ministry, is designed to provide firsthand insight into their operations while promoting professionalism, synergy, and industrial harmony across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Speaking during the visits, Kambari reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with its agencies, describing them as vital partners in achieving national aviation goals. He pledged support for their mandates and emphasised the need for a unified approach to sectoral development.
Kambari also stressed the importance of reinstating regular top management meetings involving the Minister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Directors, and heads of aviation agencies.
According to him, such engagements would serve as a strategic platform for addressing challenges and developing sustainable solutions.
Highlighting key priorities, he noted that his administration would focus on collaboration, staff welfare, and operational safety, adding that a motivated workforce is essential for optimal performance.
He further called for timely staff promotions to boost morale and prevent stagnation across agencies.
“We will continue to support all agencies to succeed, ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation industry remains a key economic driver and a hub of global connectivity,” he said.
Kambari also urged staff to remain dedicated and supportive of their leadership in achieving organizational mandates.
He commended the Managing Director of NAMA, Farouk Ahmed Umar, and the Director General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, describing them as seasoned professionals contributing significantly to the sector’s growth.
He reiterated the commitment of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to aligning Nigeria’s aviation industry with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
While expressing satisfaction with Nigeria’s current ICAO rating, he urged agencies to improve performance in future evaluations.
In his remarks, NAMA Managing Director, Farouk Ahmed Umar, described the visit as a morale booster and highlighted the agency’s role in managing Nigeria’s airspace and providing navigation services nationwide.
He outlined ongoing projects, including upgrades in Aeronautical Information Services, control tower infrastructure, voice communication systems, and the deployment of space-based surveillance technology.
However, Umar identified challenges such as funding constraints, high operational costs, manpower shortages, and revenue deductions, calling for sustained government support.
Similarly, NCAA Director General, Chris Najomo, described the visit as timely and called for stronger collaboration among aviation agencies. He highlighted achievements in staff welfare, infrastructure, ICT systems, and digital transformation, noting that the Authority has issued eight Air Operator Certificates under the current administration.
Najomo, however, appealed for increased funding to address financial constraints tied to the agency’s cost-recovery mandate.
The familiarization tour reflects the Ministry’s renewed commitment to strengthening governance, improving operational efficiency, and positioning Nigeria’s aviation sector for sustained growth and global competitiveness.
