BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
It was a night of recognition and celebration as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engineer Ahmed Farouk, alongside three directors, bagged top honours at the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Award Dinner in Abuja.
Farouk clinched the Exceptional Leadership Award for his transformative and unwavering commitment to operational efficiency, safety, and modernization of Nigeria’s airspace since assuming office in 2023.
Themed “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management,” the ceremony celebrated individuals whose leadership and innovation have strengthened the aviation industry and positioned NAMA for global excellence.
Other honourees from NAMA included Dr. Musa Abdullahi, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, who received the Partnership Award; Mr. John Tayo, Director of Air Traffic Services (DATS), who earned the Leadership Award; and Alhaji Ahmed Abba, Director of Special Duties, who took home the Mentorship Award.
President of NATCA, Mr. Amos Edino, praised Farouk’s leadership, describing it as visionary and reform-driven.
“Since assuming office, Engr. Farouk has demonstrated exceptional technical and managerial competence.
His tenure has ushered in a new era of modernization and innovation in Nigeria’s air navigation service, aligning with ICAO’s global standards,” Edino said.
In his remarks, Mr. Tayo highlighted NAMA’s strides under Farouk, noting successful upgrades of air navigation and surveillance infrastructure, deeper collaboration with international bodies like ICAO and ASECNA, and the rollout of performance-based navigation (PBN) procedures across major airports.
“We’ll continue to enhance staff capacity through continuous training and professional development to sustain service excellence and stakeholder confidence,” Tayo added.
He also lauded air traffic controllers, describing them as “the heartbeat of airspace safety,” and assured that NAMA would continue to prioritise their welfare.
Similarly, Dr. Abdullahi hailed the strong partnership between NATCA and his directorate, saying the awards would further inspire management to pursue bold reforms and infrastructure expansion.
“Air traffic controllers are the lifewire of NAMA and Nigeria’s airspace safety. These recognitions will drive us to do more for the sector,” he stated.
He added that Farouk’s administration has re-energised the agency’s workforce and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safe, efficient, and technology-driven air navigation services nationwide.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
