NAMA M.D Advocates for Synergy Among Aviation Stakeholders

Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar Leads NATCA’s 54th AGM, Emphasizes Human Capacity Development in Air Traffic Management

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar (Danmajen Gwandu and Gamjin Kabi), hosted the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), with the theme “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management.”

The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is a professional body representing air traffic controllers in Nigeria and a prominent member of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA). NATCA plays a vital role in promoting aviation safety, professional development, and collaboration within the continent and beyond. As one of Africa’s most active and respected associations in the field, NATCA continues to contribute to regional and global conversations on air navigation efficiency, human performance, and the integration of emerging technologies in air traffic management.

The high-profile event brought together key figures in Nigeria’s aviation industry, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo; the Chief of the Air Staff; and other distinguished personalities from across the aviation sector.

In his address, Engr. Farouk underscored the critical role of human capital development in sustaining the safety, efficiency, and modernization of Nigeria’s airspace management system. He commended air traffic controllers for their professionalism and resilience, emphasizing that the human element remains central to the success of next-generation air traffic management technologies.

The NAMA Managing Director reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continuous training, innovation, and the adoption of global best practices to enhance operational excellence. Engr. Farouk also highlighted the importance of synergy among aviation stakeholders to achieve a safe and efficient national airspace system.

NAMA and NATCA share a long-standing partnership rooted in a shared vision for safer, smarter, and globally competitive airspace operations. Through continuous collaboration on training, technology deployment, and procedural enhancement, both institutions are driving Nigeria’s transition toward next-generation air traffic management systems in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and the African Aviation Plan for seamless air navigation.

Speakers at the event echoed the theme’s relevance, stressing that investment in human capacity is the foundation for achieving technological advancement and sustainable growth in the aviation industry.

The NATCA Annual General Meeting continues to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy alignment among professionals and institutions driving Nigeria’s airspace management and safety systems.