Keyamo Launches N21 Billion NAMA Headquarters Project in Abuja

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for a new corporate headquarters and Air Traffic Management (ATM) Centre for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on October 5, 2023. This ambitious project, valued at approximately N21.68 billion, is set to enhance the efficiency and safety of Nigeria’s aviation sector over a completion period of thirty months.

Taking place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the ceremony marked a significant step towards modernising critical aviation infrastructure in Nigeria. Keyamo emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it signifies a commitment to consolidating NAMA’s administrative and operational functions into a state-of-the-art facility. “This is a tangible demonstration of our unwavering commitment to modernising the critical infrastructure that underpins the safety, efficiency, and growth of Nigerian aviation,” he remarked.

The new headquarters will feature an integrated Air Traffic Management Centre, aimed at improving operational responsiveness and safety oversight. Keyamo highlighted that the project will provide a conducive environment for collaboration among the dedicated staff who maintain the safety of Nigeria’s airspace. He noted, “For too long, our agencies have operated in silos and in structures that do not reflect their strategic importance.”

The contract for the initial phase has been awarded to MESSRS NHD INTERBIZ PROJECTS LIMITED, with an emphasis on adherence to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007. Keyamo assured that the contractor will be held to the highest standards of quality and timelines as stipulated in the agreement.

In his remarks, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, the Managing Director and CEO of NAMA, underscored the significance of the event, stating that it represents a fundamental shift in how Nigeria manages its airspace. “Today, we take the definitive step to provide our staff with the world-class facility they deserve,” he said. Umar explained that the new ATM Centre will unify air traffic control operations, creating a more cohesive system by consolidating two existing Area Control Centres in Lagos and Kano.

The groundbreaking ceremony comes at a time when the aviation sector is facing challenges. Recently, the Senate and House Committees on Aviation expressed their approval of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) response to a fire incident that occurred at the old terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The fire, which took place on October 2, 2023, damaged critical weather and navigational equipment, prompting concerns about its impact on ongoing aviation reforms led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Following a joint assessment by the Senate and House Committees, Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, praised FAAN’s prompt response to the incident, stating, “We thank God that there was no loss of life, which is the most important thing.” He added that the swift actions taken by FAAN and other agencies demonstrated a commitment to safety, which is a priority of the current administration.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Abdullahi Garba, echoed these sentiments, stating the National Assembly would await the completion of investigations regarding the fire before making formal statements. Ganduje, the Board Chairman of FAAN, highlighted the unfortunate destruction of sensitive equipment but expressed confidence in the staff’s ability to manage the situation.

As the new NAMA headquarters project progresses, it represents not just a physical structure but a symbolic commitment to enhancing aviation safety and efficiency in Nigeria. Keyamo concluded, “Let this building be more than bricks and mortar; let it be a launchpad for excellence, a nerve centre for innovation, and a symbol of a new, more efficient NAMA.” The anticipation surrounding the new facility reflects a broader ambition to modernize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and improve services for all stakeholders involved.