In a dazzling display of achievement and camaraderie, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) recently marked a triumphant year under the visionary leadership of Managing Director Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on December 13, 2023. The “Staff Recognition Dinner for Impactful Leadership and Team Excellence,” held on December 16, 2024, at the Obudu Gardens of the Abuja Continental Hotel, was a night dedicated to celebrating milestones and honoring the hardworking staff who drive the agency forward.
Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar highlighted the significance of the evening, stating, “The awards being presented tonight are not just plaques or certificates; they represent our appreciation for hard work, commitment, and the kind of excellence that drives NAMA forward.” This statement set the tone for an event that was as much about gratitude as it was about celebration.
The event commenced with a series of awards recognizing the exceptional efforts of NAMA staff. These accolades, known as the “Hardworking Staff Recognition Award,” went beyond simple appreciation, serving as a testament to the dedication and commitment of the agency’s workforce. Engr. Farouk’s words to the awardees encapsulated the evening’s spirit: “To the recipients, I say congratulations! This recognition is not just a reward but a reminder that your efforts do not go unnoticed.”
Reflecting on the past year’s achievements, Engr. Farouk underscored several key successes:
- Improved Safety: Achieved a remarkable reduction in Air Safety Reports through strict adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, showcasing enhanced operational safety and efficiency.
- Infrastructure Development: Refurbished control towers in seven major airports, including Owerri, Sokoto, and Ibadan, with plans underway to extend the effort to six more airports.
- Capacity Building: Invested in local and international training programs for air traffic controllers, engineers, and other personnel to align with global best practices.
- Energy Efficiency: Upgraded to solar-powered systems, reducing operational costs and ensuring reliable energy supply to critical facilities.
- ISO 9001 Certification: Achieved in December 2024, affirming NAMA’s commitment to quality management, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Staff Welfare: Cleared outstanding allowances and implemented measures to ensure timely payment of staff dues and entitlements.
“Milestones like these don’t happen in isolation,” he noted, applauding the collective efforts of his team.
The evening was filled with vibrant activities, including games, karaoke performances, and dancing, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity. The directors, including ABBA Ahmad, mni, and Dr. Abdullahi Musa,Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection lauded Engr. Farouk’s leadership, describing his tenure as instrumental to NAMA’s growth and pledging their continued support.
Staff members expressed their excitement and gratitude, looking forward to the year ahead with renewed enthusiasm. “We are looking at having this sort of function every year so that we can thank the market for the support that they have given us because we don’t take it for granted,” Engr. Farouk concluded, promising a future filled with continued success and recognition.
NAMA’s first anniversary under Engr. Farouk’s leadership was not just a celebration of the past year’s achievements, but a glimpse into a promising future for the agency and its stakeholders.
