Dan'majen Gwandu On National Assignment Abroad

NAMA Boss Joins Nigerian Delegation at ICAO’s 42nd Assembly in Montreal

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar (Danmajen Gwandu / Gamjin Kabi), alongside the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo Esq., is currently attending the 42nd Session of the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada.

In a group photograph, the high-powered Nigerian delegation also featured the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo Esq., ICAO Council President, Salvatore Sciacchitano, ICAO Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar, former ICAO President, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of Aviation, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona Najomo, the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, as well as Engr. Mahmoud Sani Ben-Tukur, Nigeria’s Representative on the Council of ICAO, among other top officials.

The ICAO Assembly, regarded as the organisation’s sovereign decision-making body, convenes every three years and is tasked with shaping the global framework for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection. This year’s session is particularly significant for Nigeria, as the country seeks re-election into Part II of the ICAO Council—a move that underscores its commitment to maintaining a strong voice in international aviation governance.

The participation of the NAMA Managing Director and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to align with ICAO’s global practices in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and security of its airspace. Under NAMA’s commitment to “Safety First”, the delegation reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to safeguarding its skies, advancing operational excellence, and continuously enhancing air navigation services to meet international standards. Their presence also signals a commendable commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s global aviation standing and ensuring the nation’s airspace remains one of the safest in Africa.

Nigeria’s active involvement at the Assembly reinforces the nation’s determination to uphold and comply with ICAO’s standards. It also reflects a broader ambition to enhance aviation oversight capacity, deepen international partnerships, and consolidate Nigeria’s role as a key player in Africa’s aviation landscape.

The Assembly provides member states with a platform to deliberate on emerging issues such as cybersecurity in aviation, the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems, climate resilience, and innovations shaping the future of global air travel. For Nigeria, it also represents an opportunity to showcase ongoing reforms in the aviation sector and advocate for stronger regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges.

With the Nigerian delegation making its presence felt in Montreal, stakeholders within the industry are optimistic that the country’s re-election bid will be successful, thereby ensuring Nigeria retains an influential role in shaping the global aviation agenda for the next triennium.