NAMA Records Operational Gains, Sustains Airspace Safety in First Half of 2026
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) recorded measurable operational progress in the first half of 2026, sustaining safe and stable air navigation services despite funding constraints, ageing infrastructure and growing pressure for technological modernisation.
Under the leadership of its Managing Director and Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, the agency entered 2026 with the responsibility of maintaining safe, efficient and reliable air navigation services amid rising aircraft movements and increasing demands on Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
As the country’s Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), NAMA remains central to aviation safety, with responsibility for managing aircraft movements and providing critical communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management services.
A review of the agency’s performance at the halfway point of 2026 indicates progress in operations, safety oversight, infrastructure maintenance and workforce development, although challenges associated with funding, equipment modernisation and manpower persist.
Throughout the period under review, NAMA sustained uninterrupted air traffic management services across Nigeria’s Flight Information Region (FIR), ensuring safe aircraft separation and the orderly movement of domestic and international flights.
Despite increased traffic on major domestic routes, including Lagos-Abuja, Lagos-Port Harcourt and Lagos-Kano, the agency maintained stable air traffic management operations during the first six months of the year.
The development highlights the resilience of Nigeria’s air navigation system and the role of air traffic controllers, engineers, technicians and other technical personnel in maintaining operational safety.
NAMA also sustained the maintenance and calibration of navigational aids, communication facilities and surveillance equipment as part of efforts to ensure compliance with international aviation standards and maintain the reliability of critical safety systems.
One of the agency’s major priorities during the period was the modernisation of Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) infrastructure.
Although substantial investment is still required to replace ageing facilities across the country, NAMA continued the rehabilitation and upgrading of critical navigation equipment to enhance reliability and improve service delivery.
The agency also placed emphasis on staff welfare, professional development and capacity building as growing demand for air navigation services increased pressure on operational personnel.
Umar, a professional who rose through the air navigation system, has repeatedly placed emphasis on the importance of skilled personnel to the agency’s safety responsibilities.
Consequently, attention during the first half of 2026 focused on staff motivation, professional development and efforts to address workplace challenges capable of affecting productivity and operational efficiency.
NAMA also sustained investment in training programmes, particularly for technical and operational personnel, to ensure that employees remain abreast of evolving global aviation standards and technological developments.
Industry stakeholders, however, have maintained that additional investment in modern surveillance systems, communication networks, cybersecurity, backup power systems and calibration capabilities is required for Nigeria to keep pace with developments in global air navigation.
The funding challenge has also featured prominently in the ongoing debate over the proposed review of the sharing formula for the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC).
Stakeholders have argued that NAMA’s current allocation from the charge is inadequate considering the agency’s responsibility for maintaining expensive and technology-driven infrastructure critical to flight safety.
According to industry experts, improved funding for the agency would accelerate the modernisation of navigation facilities, expand surveillance coverage, strengthen system redundancy and cybersecurity, as well as support the training and retention of skilled personnel.
They argued that sustainable funding has become increasingly important as air navigation systems globally move towards more sophisticated digital and satellite-based technologies.
With the second half of 2026 underway, stakeholders believe NAMA has an opportunity to consolidate the gains recorded during the first six months of the year by accelerating technology upgrades, strengthening operational resilience and expanding surveillance capabilities.
Addressing the agency’s funding challenges could also enhance its capacity to support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
Overall, NAMA’s performance in the first half of 2026 reflects an agency that has maintained a safe and stable air navigation environment despite financial and technological challenges.
The agency has demonstrated operational resilience, sustained safety standards and continued to invest in technical capacity and workforce development.
However, its long-term ability to meet rising aviation demands will depend largely on accelerated infrastructure modernisation, sustainable funding mechanisms and continued investment in human capital.
