The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Adam Kambari, has commenced a strategic familiarisation tour of key aviation agencies to enhance institutional efficiency and strengthen inter-agency collaboration within the sector.
According to Director, Press and Public Affairs Chindaya Ahmadu Audu Adamu, the tour, which began with visits to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is expected to extend to other agencies under the Ministry. It is aimed at providing the Permanent Secretary with firsthand insight into operations while fostering professionalism, synergy, and industrial harmony across the aviation industry.
Speaking during the visits, Kambari reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with its agencies, describing them as critical partners in achieving national aviation objectives. He assured agency leadership of his readiness to support their mandates and promote a unified approach to sectoral development.
Kambari emphasised the need to reinstate regular top management meetings involving the Minister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Directors, and heads of aviation agencies, noting that such engagements would provide a strategic platform for addressing sectoral challenges and advancing sustainable solutions.
He further highlighted plans to prioritise collaboration, staff welfare, and operational safety, stressing that a motivated workforce is essential for optimal performance. He also called for timely staff promotions across agencies to prevent stagnation and boost 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.
Kambari also urged staff across the agencies to remain dedicated and supportive of their leadership to ensure the effective delivery of organisational mandates.
He commended the Managing Director of NAMA, Farouk Ahmed Umar, and the Director-General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, describing them as seasoned professionals whose leadership is vital to the growth of the sector.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated the commitment of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to aligning Nigeria’s aviation industry with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). While expressing satisfaction with Nigeria’s current ICAO rating, he urged agencies to intensify efforts towards improved performance in future evaluation cycles.
In his remarks, Umar described the visit as a confidence-boosting initiative and highlighted NAMA’s critical role in managing the nation’s airspace and providing navigation services nationwide. He outlined ongoing projects, including upgrades in Aeronautical Information Services, control tower infrastructure, Voice Communication and Control Systems, and the deployment of space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).
However, he identified key challenges such as funding constraints for safety-critical projects, high operational costs, manpower shortages, and revenue deductions, and appealed for sustained government support.
Similarly, Najomo described the visit as timely and commended the move to enhance cooperation among aviation agencies. He highlighted NCAA’s regulatory achievements, including improvements in staff welfare, infrastructure, ICT systems, and digital transformation.
He disclosed that the Authority has issued eight Air Operator Certificates under the current administration, describing it as a significant milestone for the industry. He, however, called for increased funding to address financial limitations associated with its cost-recovery mandate.
The familiarisation tour underscores the Ministry’s renewed drive to strengthen governance, improve operational efficiency, and position Nigeria’s aviation sector for sustained growth and global competitiveness.
