The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has acquired Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment to strengthen the nation’s airspace surveillance capabilities, while simultaneously launching overseas training for air traffic controllers and initiating a major overhaul of its radar infrastructure.
Ahmed Umar, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NAMA, Farouk, disclosed these developments on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. His address was delivered on his behalf by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr. Tayo John.
Highlighting the agency’s technological transition, Farouk described the acquisition of the ADS-B system as a vital milestone aimed at boosting situational awareness, enhancing flight safety, and expanding operational efficiency across Nigerian skies.
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“I am pleased to inform you that the Agency has recently acquired Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment. This is an important milestone in our efforts to strengthen surveillance capabilities, improve situational awareness and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of air traffic management in Nigeria,” Farouk stated.
In response to long-standing operational challenges faced by air traffic control personnel, NAMA confirmed that plans are actively underway to upgrade existing radar networks to meet modern global standards.
“Management is actively pursuing a comprehensive overhaul of our radar systems. We recognise that some of our existing radar infrastructure requires significant upgrading to meet contemporary operational demands. Our objective is to achieve a more reliable, efficient and technologically advanced surveillance network,” he noted.
Furthermore, the agency has initiated high-level technical engagements with the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) to resolve persistent communication equipment glitches and improve signal reliability.
Farouk emphasized that routine maintenance is no longer sufficient, noting: “These initiatives demonstrate our determination to move beyond routine maintenance towards sustainable technological renewal.”
Global Training and Staff Welfare Boost
On manpower development, NAMA announced that the first phase of its overseas training program for Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) has officially commenced.
“We remain conscious that our greatest asset is our people. No investment in infrastructure can deliver its full potential without a competent, adequately trained and motivated workforce,” Farouk said. “I am delighted to announce that the first batch of our overseas training programme has commenced. Our objective is to build a workforce that is not only technically competent but also confident, innovative and prepared for the evolving demands of the aviation industry.”
Addressing workforce motivation and welfare, NAMA outlined a series of financial and administrative reforms:
Post-Licence Allowance: The agency has formally implemented the Post-Licence Allowance framework to replace the previous Post-Ratings arrangement. “This is an important development that recognises the professional value of an Air Traffic Controller’s licence and the responsibility associated with maintaining that licence,” Farouk explained.
Speaking on the AGM theme, “Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Nigerian Air Traffic Management,” Farouk called for sustained collaboration, mutual trust, and constructive dialogue between NAMA management and NATCA.
“Management has a responsibility to provide the necessary leadership, infrastructure, training opportunities and enabling environment. Equally, our personnel must reciprocate through professionalism, discipline, accountability, commitment to duty and adherence to established operational procedures,” he urged.
“Let us disagree where necessary, but let our disagreements be guided by mutual respect and the overall interest of the Agency. We must never lose sight of the fact that we are all working towards one common objective: the safety and efficiency of Nigerian airspace,” Farouk concluded.
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Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers.
She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay.
She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos.
As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender.
She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies.
Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the
prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the ‘Aviation Writer of the Year’ Category.
She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category.
She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations.
Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
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