Tackling Insecurity: NAMA, NAF Deepen Collaboration to Boost Airspace Security

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Enhance airspace safety and security
Nigeria Air Force Director of Air Traffic Services, Air Commodore N.B. Folaji, and the Assistant Director of Air Traffic Management, Wing Commander H.N. Gumut with the NAMA MD, Engineer Ahmed Farouk joined by Muonemeh Ndubuisi Lotenna, Director of Finance and Accounts; John Tayo, Director of Air Traffic Services, Abimbola Ladipo, Director of Human Resources and Administration; Engr. Ijeoma Ihenachor, Director of Safety Electronic and Engineering Services. Abdulahi Musa, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, and Ibrahim Aliyu, Director of Corporate Services

To enhance airspace safety and security, Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Ahmed Farouk, hosted a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), led by Air Vice Marshal A. Abdulkadir, Chief of Training and Operations. This visit, at NAMA headquarters in Abuja Is significant to bolster Nigeria’s airspace security

During the visit, Engr. Farouk highlighted the critical roles played by both NAMA and the NAF in ensuring airspace safety and security. “NAMA handles civil operations, while the Air Force oversees security. Our close collaboration is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace,” he stated. He also announced that due to ongoing security challenges, NAMA has proposed an enhanced surveillance system upgrade.

This initiative led to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approving a visit to Spain for an onsite inspection of some facilities. The visit aims to engage with technology solution providers to address current security challenges and upgrade NAMA’s surveillance systems.

Air Vice Marshal Abdulkadir shared an update on the NAF’s enhanced capabilities to monitor and identify all aircraft entering Nigerian airspace. He emphasized that improved collaboration between NAMA and NAF is crucial for preventing encroachment into prohibited areas like the Presidential Villa. AVM Abdulkadir stated that the Nigerian Air Force recently enhanced its capabilities with new platforms for national air defense, stationed in Makurdi.

The NAF has recently completed its day training and is close to finishing night training for rapid response and interception.

Air Vice Marshal Abdulkadir also emphasized the importance of the air safety critical partnership between NAMA and NAF describing it as “twin children of the same mother,” while stressing that NAF’s responsibility for airspace security complements NAMA’s role in airspace management.

Additionally, the discussion included joint training initiatives aimed at addressing the shortage of Air Traffic Controllers across the country. The NAF’s Air Traffic Services Training Centre in Kaduna is accredited as an Approved Training Organisation by the NCAA. It will annually admit at least 20 NAMA staff to enhance manpower and cover identified gaps.

This collaboration between NAMA and the Nigerian Air Force underscores their joint commitment to enhancing airspace safety and security in Nigeria. They ensure that both civil and military operations meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

 

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