Aviation Ministry Pushes Collaboration As Permanent Secretary Tours Key Agencies
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Adam Kambari, has begun a strategic familiarisation tour of key aviation agencies, starting with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in a move aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency and boosting inter-agency collaboration.
The tour, which is expected to continue across other agencies under the Ministry, is designed to provide the Permanent Secretary with firsthand insight into operational activities while promoting professionalism, synergy, and industrial harmony within the aviation sector.
During the visits, on Tuesday, Kambari reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with its agencies, describing them as vital partners in the delivery of national aviation objectives. He pledged continued support for their mandates and called for a unified approach to sectoral development.
He stressed the need to revive regular top management meetings involving the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry Directors, and heads of aviation agencies, noting that such a platform would help address sectoral challenges and develop sustainable solutions.
Kambari also emphasised that his administration would place priority on collaboration, staff welfare, and operational safety, adding that a motivated workforce remains essential to achieving optimal performance. He further advocated timely staff promotions across agencies to curb stagnation and improve morale.
“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.
He also urged staff across the agencies to remain committed, loyal, and supportive of their leadership in order to deliver on their organisational mandates effectively.
The Permanent Secretary commended the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, and the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, describing them as seasoned professionals whose leadership is crucial to the growth of the sector.
He reiterated the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, to aligning Nigeria’s aviation industry with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
While expressing satisfaction with Nigeria’s current ICAO rating, Kambari charged the agencies to intensify efforts toward stronger performance in future evaluation cycles.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a confidence-boosting gesture. He noted NAMA’s critical role in managing the nation’s airspace and providing navigation services to airports and aerodromes nationwide.
He outlined ongoing projects in the agency, including upgrades in Aeronautical Information Services (AIS), Control Tower Infrastructure, Voice Communication and Control Systems (VCCS), and the deployment of Space-Based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), among others.
Umar also identified major challenges facing the agency, including funding constraints for safety-critical projects, high operational costs, manpower shortages, and revenue deductions, and appealed for sustained government support.
Similarly, the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the visit as timely and commendable, while calling for stronger cooperation among aviation agencies.
He highlighted the Authority’s achievements in staff welfare, infrastructure, ICT systems, and digital transformation, and disclosed that the agency has issued eight Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) under the current administration, a milestone he described as significant for the industry.
Najomo also called for increased funding to address financial limitations linked to the Authority’s cost-recovery mandate.
The familiarisation tour reflects the Ministry’s renewed commitment to stronger governance, improved operational efficiency, and the sustained growth and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation sector.