The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has appealed to the Federal Government to review the deductions being made from its internally generated revenue, saying the move is crippling its ability to effectively manage the nation’s airspace.
The agency’s Managing Director, Ahmed Farouk, made the appeal during the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association held in Abuja. Farouk lamented that deductions ranging from 30 to 50 percent have made it increasingly difficult for NAMA to sustain its operations and upgrade critical aviation infrastructure.
According to him, the deductions have worsened the agency’s financial challenges, despite the significant progress recorded in recent years. Farouk explained that NAMA has undertaken major projects such as the renovation and modernization of control towers at key airports, including Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. The agency has also overhauled its administrative and technical buildings across the country, installed perimeter fences to protect sensitive assets, and deployed new generators and solar hybrid systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply at its operational stations.
He emphasized that maintaining air traffic systems and ensuring safety across Nigeria’s airspace require substantial and consistent funding. Farouk noted that the modernization of aviation infrastructure and continuous maintenance of safety-critical facilities are capital-intensive projects that depend heavily on the agency’s ability to retain its revenue. “Our most significant constraint remains funding. This challenge is significantly worsened by deductions at source of between 30 and 50 percent from our internally generated revenue,” he said.
The NAMA boss appealed to the Federal Government to consider granting the agency a waiver from such deductions. He explained that allowing NAMA to retain all its earnings would be a major step toward improving airspace safety and efficiency. According to him, the proposed waiver would enable the agency to reinvest its income in key projects, including technology upgrades, infrastructure expansion, and the training of aviation professionals to meet international standards.
Farouk further stated that the agency’s appeal was not merely for its benefit but for the growth and safety of Nigeria’s entire aviation sector. He said full financial autonomy for NAMA would enhance its ability to maintain modern communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, ensuring that Nigeria’s airspace remains safe and competitive on a global scale. He stressed that such a decision would also align with the government’s broader goal of transforming the nation’s aviation industry into a hub for West Africa.
Industry observers have backed NAMA’s request, noting that consistent deductions from the agency’s revenue have long been a barrier to infrastructure development in the sector. They argue that granting financial relief to NAMA would accelerate the modernization of air traffic management systems and improve service delivery across the country’s airports. The appeal, if approved, is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation safety record and position the nation as a regional leader in airspace management.
