NAMA Embarks on Maiden Comprehensive Audit of Nigerian Airspace in 25 Years
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has commenced a historic audit of the nation’s airspace, the first such exercise since the agency was established 25 years ago.
The move is seen as a major step toward strengthening safety, efficiency, and compliance in the country’s aviation sector.
The audit, which began this week with a focus on the Kano Flight Information Region (FIR), will cover every aspect of air navigation services across Nigeria.
According to Abdullahi Musa, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NAMA, the process will examine critical areas including Air Traffic Services, Communication, Navigation and Surveillance facilities, Aeronautical Information Management, Planning and Research, and Search and Rescue operations.
Major airports such as Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt are under review, alongside facilities in Enugu, Maiduguri, and a number of state and private aerodromes. Nationwide Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance infrastructure will also be thoroughly assessed.
The agency explained that the exercise is part of its preparation for the upcoming certification of Nigeria’s Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. It will also serve as groundwork for international evaluations by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), including the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme and other global safety missions.
NAMA’s Managing Director, Engr. Umar Farouk, inaugurated a special audit committee to drive the exercise. The committee, headed by Ahmad Abba, Director of Special Duties, includes experts drawn from air traffic services, safety management, CNS/ATM systems, aeronautical information, and search and rescue.
It is expected to work closely with regulators, stakeholders, and frontline staff to ensure a transparent and credible outcome.
Speaking on the importance of the exercise, Farouk stressed that safety and efficiency in Nigerian airspace were “non-negotiable.” He added that the successful completion of the audit would not only identify gaps and improve operational systems but also enhance Nigeria’s credibility in the global aviation community.
“The exercise reflects our determination to lead by example in Africa and to showcase Nigeria’s aviation system as a benchmark of operational excellence and innovation,” he said.
Industry observers say the audit could help address long-standing challenges in the sector, including inadequate radar coverage, outdated navigation systems, and infrastructural lapses that have in the past raised safety concerns.
By carrying out the self-assessment ahead of international evaluations, Nigeria hopes to position itself for stronger certification outcomes and greater confidence from global partners.
For the aviation sector, the audit marks a turning point—one that could determine not only compliance with international standards but also the future competitiveness of Nigeria as a regional air transport hub.
