Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo
In line with Nigeria’s aviation modernization initiative, the Federal Government has officially commenced the construction of a new Corporate Headquarters and Air Traffic Management (ATM) Centre for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in Abuja.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was performed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
He described the project as “a declaration of intent and a tangible demonstration of our unwavering commitment to modernising the critical infrastructure that underpins the safety, efficiency, and growth of Nigerian aviation.”
During his speech, Keyamo highlighted that the project represents an important step towards consolidating NAMA’s administrative and operational functions within a modern, purpose-built facility that reflects the agency’s strategic significance to national development.
He stated, “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.”
A statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NAMA, Dr Abdullahi Musa, quoted Keyamo as saying that the new complex would integrate executive management functions with a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Management Centre, thereby improving operational efficiency, safety oversight, and real-time responsiveness.
He added that the facility will provide a secure, technologically advanced environment for managing Nigeria’s sovereign airspace and will also bolster institutional credibility and investor confidence in the nation’s aviation sector.
Regarding the project, the Minister disclosed that it is being executed in strict accordance with the Public Procurement Act 2007 and through a transparent, competitive tendering process.
“We will hold the contractor to the highest standards of quality and timelines as stipulated in the agreement, as there will be no compromise on specifications or delivery milestones.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, NAMA’s Managing Director, Engr. Ahmed Farouk, described the day as one that would be “etched in gold in the annals of the agency’s history.”
He explained that since NAMA’s administrative headquarters was established in 1999 and operated from Lagos for over two decades, the staff had continued to deliver optimally from temporary facilities, even as the formal relocation process to Abuja began in 2020, in line with federal policy.
Farouk stated, “For the past six years, our staff have operated from temporary facilities in Abuja, yet they have continued to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable air navigation services. Today, we take the definitive step to provide them with the world-class facility they deserve.”
He further highlighted that the new headquarters would serve not only as an administrative hub but also house a centralised, state-of-the-art Air Traffic Management Centre that will fundamentally redefine Nigeria’s management of its airspace.
Farouk added that this development signifies a move towards a unified operational structure by merging the existing Area Control Centres in Lagos and Kano into a single centralised hub in Abuja.
According to the NAMA chief, this would establish a “cohesive One Flight Information Region (FIR) for Nigeria,” enabling seamless radar control over the entire national airspace from a unified command centre.
“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, harmonised operational authority.
