NAMA Rallies Stakeholders for Safer Skies, Calls for Investment, Reforms, Unity in Aviation Security
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has urged aviation stakeholders to embrace enhanced collaboration, investment, and capacity-building to bolster aviation security and achieve the “Safe Skies” goal.
This appeal was made during a high-level Aviation Security Stakeholders Symposium organised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Tuesday, 29th April 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
With the theme, “Fundamentality of Aviation Security in Achieving the Safe Skies Goal,” the symposium brought together industry leaders to discuss the evolving security landscape within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
In her presentation on behalf of NAMA’s Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Umar Ahmed, Isemiuhonmon Rita Egbadon highlighted the critical role of aviation security as the cornerstone of a safe, resilient, and trusted air transport system.
She noted that security failures pose not only threats to national sovereignty but also severe disruptions to flight operations, air traffic management, and public confidence.
“NAMA recognises that achieving ‘Safe Skies’ goes beyond aspirations; it demands strategic importance, operational vigilance, and collective commitment,” Egbadon stated.
The NAMA Boss identified four key challenges inhibiting the effectiveness of aviation security in Nigeria.
According to him, the absence of structured inter-agency communication channels and fragmented incident response mechanisms has led to delayed decision-making and compromised security operations.
He noted that obsolete screening systems, inadequate perimeter fencing, and poor surveillance coverage leave critical aviation infrastructure vulnerable to avoidable threats.
Engr. Farouk further revealed that insufficient training, poor remuneration, and limited career growth opportunities continue to undermine the effectiveness of aviation security officers.
Another snag noted by the NAMA MD was that the deployment of inadequately qualified individuals into sensitive aviation security roles without proper screening and certification poses significant risks.
To address these challenges, NAMA proposed several recommendations:
Institutionalise a Joint Aviation Security Task Force: NAMA called for the creation of a National Aviation Security Coordination Framework, anchored by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and regularly audited by NCAA, to foster seamless collaboration.
Prioritise Investment in Security Infrastructure: Federal and state authorities, in collaboration with the private sector, must invest in advanced security technologies such as biometric access systems, smart surveillance solutions, and integrated command centres.
Adopt Comprehensive Capacity-Building and Incentive Programmes: NAMA emphasised the need for recurrent ICAO-accredited training for security personnel, coupled with structured motivation frameworks, including health benefits and career progression.
Enforce Merit-Based Recruitment Standards: A centralised vetting system, in partnership with NCAA, should be established to ensure strict compliance with recruitment and certification standards.
Concluding her presentation, Egbadon reiterated NAMA’s commitment to working alongside stakeholders to transition aviation security from a reactive to a proactive paradigm.
“To truly achieve the ‘Safe Skies’ objective, aviation security must evolve into a proactive framework grounded in collaboration, competence, and continuous investment. NAMA stands ready to support a secure and integrated national aviation security strategy,” she affirmed.
NAMA commended the NCAA for convening the forum, expressing optimism that the collective efforts of stakeholders will pave the way for a safer and more secure Nigerian airspace.
