Kambari Pushes Reform Agenda, Strengthens Ties with Aviation Agencies
Oru Leonard
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Adam Kambari, has embarked on a strategic familiarisation tour of key aviation agencies to boost efficiency, collaboration, and sector-wide performance.
The tour, which commenced with visits to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and foster synergy among agencies under the Ministry.
During the visits, Kambari emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between the Ministry and its agencies, describing them as vital partners in achieving Nigeria’s aviation goals. He pledged continued support for their mandates and called for a unified approach to sectoral development.
He also underscored the need to revive regular top management meetings involving the Minister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Directors, and agency heads. According to him, such engagements would provide a platform to address pressing challenges and develop sustainable solutions for the industry.
Kambari noted that his administration would prioritise staff welfare, operational safety, and timely promotions to enhance morale and productivity across the sector.
“We will continue to support all agencies to succeed, ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation industry remains a key economic driver and a hub of global connectivity,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary commended the Managing Director of NAMA, Farouk Ahmed Umar, and the Director-General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, describing them as experienced professionals whose leadership is crucial to the sector’s advancement.
He reiterated the commitment of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to aligning Nigeria’s aviation industry with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), while urging agencies to improve performance in future evaluation cycles.
In their separate remarks, the heads of both agencies welcomed the visit, describing it as timely and morale-boosting.
Umar highlighted NAMA’s critical role in managing Nigeria’s airspace and outlined ongoing projects, including upgrades in aeronautical information services, control tower infrastructure, and advanced surveillance systems. However, he pointed to challenges such as funding constraints, high operational costs, manpower shortages, and revenue deductions.
Similarly, Najomo noted NCAA’s regulatory strides, including improvements in staff welfare, infrastructure, ICT systems, and digital transformation. He disclosed that the Authority has issued eight Air Operator Certificates under the current administration, marking a significant milestone, but called for increased funding to address financial constraints tied to its cost-recovery mandate.
The familiarisation tour, which will extend to other agencies, signals the Ministry’s renewed commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing operational efficiency, and positioning Nigeria’s aviation sector for sustained growth and global competitiveness.
