The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has embarked on a comprehensive audit of the country’s entire airspace under the Kano Flight Information Region (FIR).
This marks what it describes as a defining milestone in its 25-year history.
In a statement by the Director, Public affairs and Consumer Protection, NAMA, Abdullahi Musa, the audit, which began on Tuesday, is a self-assessment exercise designed to review the overall safety performance, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance of Nigeria’s airspace.
It also aims to strengthen NAMA’s preparedness for the impending Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) Certification by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), as well as upcoming international oversight exercises, including the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Coordinated Validation Mission and the Regional Office Safety Team (ROST) Mission.
According to Musa, the exercise will cover a wide scope of operations, evaluating air traffic services, communication, navigation and surveillance facilities, aeronautical information management, planning, research and statistics, and search and rescue operations.
Apart from major inspections at the Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt international airports, the audit will extend to Enugu, Maiduguri, and several other state-owned and private aerodromes, alongside nationwide CNS facilities.
Managing Director, NAMA, Mr. Farouk Umar, described the initiative as a bold step toward entrenching safety and excellence in airspace management.
He said the audit was not merely a compliance check but a demonstration of the agency’s resolve to measure itself against the highest global standards and to ensure that every flight within Nigerian airspace is managed with utmost efficiency and safety.
“This audit is a landmark initiative, the first of its kind in NAMA’s 25-year history, and it represents a bold and proactive step to reinforce our mandate of delivering safe, efficient, and seamless air navigation services in line with international best practices”.
“It is about building systems that are robust, resilient, and respected globally, while charting the future of Nigeria’s airspace management under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The NAMA MD emphasized that the audit would foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within the agency while also consolidating Nigeria’s credibility on the global aviation stage.
He urged directors, departmental heads, and staff to fully support the exercise, describing airspace safety and efficiency as “non-negotiable.”
To spearhead the process, Mr. Umar inaugurated a FIR Audit Committee chaired by Ahmad Abba, NAMA’s Director of Special Duties.
Members were drawn from air traffic services, CNS/ATM systems, aeronautical information management, safety management, and search and rescue units.
The committee will engage industry stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and frontline staff to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.
According to Umar, the outcome of the exercise will not only strengthen NAMA’s operational systems but also reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role in African and global aviation.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen