The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Corporate Headquarters and Air Traffic Management Centre of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister described the project as a tangible demonstration of the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to aviation safety, job creation, and critical infrastructure development, a statement by the Aviation Ministry’s Acting Spokesperson, Margaret Oyinboade noted.
He noted that since its establishment, NAMA has operated without a permanent corporate headquarters, and the project presents an opportunity to honour the dedication of staff who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and smooth management of Nigeria’s airspace.
Keyamo emphasized that the new facility will enhance operational efficiency, attract investment, strengthen safety architecture, promote innovation, and contribute to economic growth. He affirmed that the project is being executed in strict compliance with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) requirements and is scheduled for completion within 30 months.
Keyamo charged the contractor to treat the project as a national assignment, stressing that there must be no compromise on quality, specifications, or standards. He directed that all processes be properly monitored to ensure timely and standard delivery.
He also commiserated with the management and staff of NAMA over the recent fire outbreak at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and commended the agency for its swift response in restoring operations.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu and the Honourable Minister for their support in actualizing the long-awaited corporate headquarters. He described the development as monumental, noting that for over two decades, the agency has operated without a befitting office complex.
Farouk further stated that the new Corporate Headquarters and Air Traffic Management Centre will unify and modernize Nigeria’s Airspace Management system, enhance safety and innovation, reduce technical redundancies, and improve staff welfare. He appealed for sustained funding and robust monitoring, given the capital-intensive nature of the project.
In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, commended NAMA’s management for the laudable initiative, stating that the project aligns with global best practices and will further elevate Nigeria’s aviation sector. He reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to providing necessary regulatory and certification support.
Also speaking, Mr. Lukeman Olatunbosun, Director of Human Resources Management, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), described the groundbreaking as timely and significant, noting that it would enhance operational efficiency and foster innovation within the sector.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Captain Alex Badeh Jnr; the Rector of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Danjuma Ismaila; and the Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, all emphasized the importance of timely completion and adherence to construction and safety standards, urging the contractor not to compromise on quality.
The contractor, NHB INTERBIZ PROJECT LTD assured stakeholders of its commitment to delivering a world-class edifice that meets all prescribed safety and structural standards within the agreed timeline.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, as well as representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Air Force.
