The unified operational structure for Nigeria’s airspace took centre stage on Thursday as Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, flagged off construction of a new Corporate Headquarters and Air Traffic Management Centre for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency in Abuja. The project signals a decisive shift toward a unified operational structure designed to centralise command and strengthen oversight nationwide.
Although the groundbreaking ceremony marked a major infrastructure milestone, the strongest message was clear. Nigeria is consolidating its air traffic control architecture under a unified operational structure to enhance safety, efficiency and national security. The new facility provides the institutional backbone required to implement this unified operational structure effectively. FAAN’s Temporal Terminal to Come online soon
The event, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to aviation reform. Honourable Minister Festus Keyamo described the initiative as foundational to achieving a sustainable unified operational structure for Nigerian airspace management.
He said the project was “a declaration of intent and a tangible demonstration of our unwavering commitment to modernizing the critical infrastructure that underpins the safety, efficiency, and growth of Nigerian aviation.” The Minister emphasised that a unified structure would eliminate operational silos and align Nigeria with global best practices.
“For too long, our agencies have operated in silos and in structures that do not reflect their national significance. With this new headquarters, we are creating a conducive environment that fosters innovation, enhances collaboration, and boosts the morale of the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to keep our airspace safe,” he stated.
Unified Operational Structure to Create One FIR
Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, confirmed the agency is transitioning fully to a unified operational structure. He disclosed that the existing Area Control Centres in Lagos and Kano will be collapsed into a centralised hub in Abuja to support this unified operational structure.
This reform will create a cohesive One Flight Information Region for Nigeria. “From this very spot, NAMA will exercise consolidated oversight of Nigeria’s airspace, ensuring that every aircraft, from take-off to landing, is guided by a single, harmonized operational authority. A unified radar view reduces coordination risks during sector handovers and enhances overall situational awareness,” he said. The new operational structure will therefore provide a single radar picture nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Air Traffic Management Centre will deploy advanced automation to power the unified operational structure. The system is designed for scalability, reliability and real-time responsiveness. In addition, it will optimise flight paths and reduce redundancies, strengthening the operational gains expected from the unified operational structure.
Engr. Farouk noted that since 2020, NAMA personnel in Abuja have operated from temporary facilities. However, they have maintained safe navigation services while preparing for the unified operational structure. “Today, we take the definitive step to provide them with the world-class facility they deserve,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that the project complies strictly with the Public Procurement Act 2007. He stressed transparency and accountability, noting that the unified operational structure must rest on credible procurement standards. “We will hold the contractor to the highest standards of quality and timelines as stipulated in the agreement as there would be no compromise on specifications or delivery benchmarks,” he stated.
Beyond civil aviation efficiency, the unified operational structure carries strategic security implications. Engr. Farouk appealed for sustained funding for a proposed Dual Surveillance System to complement the unified operational structure.
“This is not merely a technological upgrade”, he stated, adding that “it is a strategic investment in securing our sovereign airspace and strengthening coordination between civil aviation authorities and national defence institutions.”
While the new headquarters will house multiple departments and welfare facilities, infrastructure remains secondary. The central objective is a resilient unified operational structure that strengthens oversight, enhances coordination and aligns Nigeria with standards promoted by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
As air traffic volumes expand, the unified operational structure may redefine how Nigeria manages its skies.
