Nigerian Airspace Management Agency
Nigerian Airspace Management Agency the agency is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Aviation, responsible for regulating air travel and aviation services in Nigeria. Headquartered in Abuja, the agency oversees air navigation services within the Nigerian Flight Information Region. A part-time chairman, appointed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, leads the governing board for a four-year term.
History
The agency is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, responsible for regulating air travel and aviation services in Nigeria. It was established by Act of Parliament No. 48 and commenced operations in Nigeria on 29 May 1999. The agency is headed by a chairman, appointed by the President for a four-year term, subject to National Assembly approval. The chairman has the sole responsibility of ensuring the provision of safe, efficient, effective, and economic Air Navigation Services within the agency's jurisdiction.Functions
NAMA, an agency in the aviation sector, bears the sole responsibility for ensuring the delivery of Air Navigation Services within its designated sphere of influence. NAMA develops airspace infrastructure such as the upgrade of the country's air traffic management system including the Safe Tower Project that aligns with the stringent Standards and Recommended Practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.Controversies
- Collection of landing fee one of the scope of the agency is collection of landing fee of $300 from helicopter operators in the country which was described as controversial during the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association held in Kano State, it was noted that the fee, previously dropped, was being reintroduced a few months ago which the industry operators opposed and threatening to sue the agency to court if the landing fee is forced on the sector.
- Multilateration technology system NAMA has been accused of being unable to fix the multilateration technology system, which is meant to monitor low-flying aircraft in the littoral regions of the country, where oil and gas helicopter shuttle services are prevalent. Previously, the agency had boasted that it had completed performance-based navigation, comprising area navigation and required navigation performance. However, some sources alleged that such modern equipment has not been put to good use. Others claimed that only foreign airlines use the system because they have the necessary on-board equipment.