CHUKS OKOH
The managing director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Engr Umar Farouk says, the management is working round the clocks to see that all the operational, administrative and general welfare of ATSEP receives deserved attention.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE) in Lagos, Engr Farouk noted that the theme of this year’s AGM “Safety, Efficiency and Innovation: The Triple Mandate of Air Traffic Engineers” captures the essence of the transformation currently shaping the global airspace management landscape.
Represented by the Director of Air Traffic Services NAMA, Mr John Tayo, said “In a world where technological evolution continues to redefine aviation, our responsibility is not only to keep pace but to lead with clarity, competence, and creativity”
Farouk said the management of NAMA recognizes ATSEP sacrifices and tenacity in their quest for excellence in the provision of air navigation services in Nigeria adding that their toiling and sweats are not unnoticed.
“As Air Traffic Engineers, you occupy a strategic position in sustaining the integrity of our Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure. Your expertise remains the backbone of safe and efficient air traffic management. Every radar sweep, every communication channel, every navigational aid, and every emerging digital system depends on your vigilance, precision, and innovation”.
Farouk said NAMA recognizes the work of the engineers and value their contribution, remaining fully committed to supporting a professional environment where skills can flourish and where modern technology and continuous training are prioritized.
He stated that the Agency’s ongoing modernization efforts from CNS upgrades to advanced automation systems are built on a foundation strengthened by the engineers competence and dedication.
“This gathering is not only an opportunity for technical dialogue; it is also a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and alignment with global best practices. I urge you to engage deeply, share boldly, and challenge conventional thinking as we collectively shape the future of air navigation services in Nigeria”
Farouk commends their commitment, especially in the face of operational and infrastructural challenges adding that their resilience continues to uphold the safety of Nigerian airspace, and for that, the nation remains grateful.
The president of National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE), Engr Selzing in his opening speech said there is an improvement in the working environment of it’s members in the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) under the current leadership of Engr Umar Farouk.
Miri noted that it was not the same situation in Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology and other sectors where it has members and urged them to brace up
Miri who admitted the improvement in the working environment noted that there were positive signs under the Engr Farouk Umar leadership
The NAAE boss noted that technology is evolving and there is the need for the engineers to catch up with the pace especially with the installation of new facilities in NAMA
Miri said training and retraining has remained the greatest challenge of air traffic engineers in the country but noted that in NAMA, the engineers are being trained but other agencies are not living up to expectations in training and retraining.
He noted that the wide gap in training was as a result of neglect in the past which has remained difficult to close.
The NAAE boss blamed the poor maintenance of facilities borders on funds but commended the NAMA Management for embarking on installation of modern navigational facilities.