BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has defended its handling of retirees’ welfare and ongoing staff reforms, dismissing allegations of neglect and mismanagement as misleading and factually inaccurate.
In a statement issued on Thursday, by Abdullahi Musa, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the agency said concerns raised in a recent television interview over outstanding retirees’ entitlements had been misrepresented, stressing that the current leadership under Managing Director Farouk Ahmed Umar inherited the problem from previous administrations.
NAMA explained that delays in settling retirees’ benefits stem from longstanding institutional challenges, including policy implementation gaps, pension-related complications and bureaucratic processes tied to public sector financial obligations.
The agency noted that since assuming office, Umar’s administration has taken concrete steps to address the backlog, including engaging with stakeholders and retirees’ representatives, and initiating processes required for payment.
“Responsible governance within the public sector requires strict compliance with statutory procedures such as documentation, budgetary appropriations, administrative vetting and government approvals before disbursement can be made,” the statement said, warning that ignoring these processes creates a false impression of negligence.
Beyond retirees’ issues, NAMA highlighted what it described as significant improvements in staff welfare under the current management.
It said the agency has fully implemented its long-delayed Staff Conditions of Service and recently introduced a new salary structure, leading to improved remuneration and staff morale.
According to the agency, additional reforms include expanded training opportunities for staff, both locally and internationally, improved operational conditions, and sustained engagement with employees and retirees on welfare matters.
NAMA also rejected allegations attempting to introduce religious bias into its administration, describing such claims as “reckless insinuations” that threaten institutional integrity and national cohesion.
The agency maintained that it operates strictly on principles of professionalism, inclusiveness and national unity, adding that claims suggesting diversion of public funds for personal religious activities by the managing director are “entirely false and baseless.”
It further stated that under Umar’s leadership, the agency has recorded progress in strengthening navigational infrastructure, improving safety systems, enhancing technical manpower and maintaining compliance with international aviation standards.
While acknowledging frustrations over delayed payments, NAMA urged stakeholders to engage constructively and avoid inflammatory claims that could undermine institutional stability.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
