NAMA Defends Farouk Umar, Denies Allegations Over Retirees’ Welfare, Religious Bias
Oru Leonard
The management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has defended its handling of retirees’ welfare and staff reforms, dismissing allegations levelled against its Managing Director, Farouk Ahmed Umar, as misleading and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Musa, the agency said claims surrounding unpaid retirees’ entitlements and allegations of religious bias did not reflect the realities within the organisation.
NAMA explained that the issue of outstanding retirees’ benefits predates the current administration and arose from longstanding institutional and bureaucratic challenges linked to pension obligations and public sector financial procedures.
According to the agency, the present management under Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar has taken concrete steps to address the problem by securing approvals and directing the commencement of administrative processes required for payment of outstanding entitlements.
The agency stressed that settlement of such obligations must comply with statutory procedures, including documentation, budgetary appropriations, administrative vetting and government approvals before disbursement can be made.
Beyond retirees’ welfare, NAMA highlighted several reforms introduced under the current leadership, including the full implementation of the Staff Conditions of Service and the approval of a new salary structure aimed at improving workers’ welfare, remuneration and morale.
The agency also cited investments in human capacity development through local and international training programmes, improved operational conditions and sustained engagement with staff and retirees.
Reacting to allegations attempting to introduce religious sentiments into administrative matters, NAMA described such claims as reckless, divisive and dangerous to national unity.
The agency maintained that it operates strictly on the principles of professionalism, inclusiveness and national cohesion, warning that attempts to weaponise religion within public institutions could undermine institutional stability and productivity.
NAMA further dismissed allegations that public funds were being used for personal religious activities by the Managing Director, insisting that the claims were false and unsupported by facts.
The agency added that under Engr. Farouk’s leadership, it has recorded progress in navigational infrastructure, operational safety systems, manpower development and compliance with international aviation standards.
While acknowledging frustrations over delays in payment of entitlements, NAMA urged stakeholders to engage constructively and avoid inflammatory accusations capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.
