The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, along with NAMA’s top management team, is attending the 14th Air Navigation Conference (AN-Conf/14) at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Headquarters in Montreal, Canada. The conference is a critical global platform that gathers aviation experts to discuss issues concerning air traffic management, safety, security, and operational efficiency.
Joining the NAMA delegation are key stakeholders from Nigeria’s aviation sector, including Capt. Chris Najomo, the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), alongside members of the NCAA management and other major industry leaders. The NCAA, as Nigeria’s aviation regulatory body, is the focal agency for coordinating Nigeria’s participation in ICAO’s global initiatives.
The 14th Air Navigation Conference is centered around the theme “Performance Improvement Driving Sustainability,” with the aim of fostering global consensus on performance improvement initiatives. These discussions are vital as they address how ICAO member states, including Nigeria, can adapt to aviation’s environmental challenges and the rapid advancements in operational technologies.
During the conference, technical experts engaged in detailed discussions, which are expected to lead to high-level recommendations in air navigation and safety. These recommendations will be submitted to the ICAO Council for approval and eventual adoption by the ICAO Assembly during its 42nd Session in 2025. This will significantly impact the future of aviation safety and efficiency in Nigeria as these global standards will be incorporated into national policies.
Speaking on the importance of the conference, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar remarked, “The Air Navigation Conference is pivotal for ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation sector remains at the forefront of global best practices. By participating in these discussions, NAMA is not only enhancing air traffic management capabilities but also contributing to the broader goal of making our aviation operations more sustainable and efficient.”
A key focus of the conference has been ICAO’s long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) of achieving net zero carbon emissions in international aviation by 2050. As part of these global efforts, Nigeria’s aviation sector is poised to embrace innovative solutions that align with sustainability and environmental goals, while ensuring safety remains a top priority.
The Conference also acts as a crucial building block in ICAO’s long-term strategic planning, bridging the gap between the 41st and 42nd Sessions of the ICAO Assembly. The outcomes from this event will inform the ICAO Business Plan for 2023-2025 and guide the development of future priorities in the aviation sector.
The participation of Nigerian stakeholders in these discussions demonstrates the country’s commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible aviation industry. The recommendations and strategies adopted during the conference will directly influence Nigeria’s airspace management policies and regulatory framework, thereby improving air traffic safety, security, and environmental sustainability.
NAMA’s delegation also included top officials such as the Director of Safety Electronic and Engineering Services, Engr. Terese Iheanacho; Director of Air Traffic Services, John Tayo; Director of Finance and Accounts, Muonemeh Ndubuisi; Director of Special Duties, Abba Ahmad; Special Assistant on Strategy to the Managing Director; and other key personnel.
Through NAMA’s active involvement in AN-Conf/14, Nigeria is positioning itself as a forward-looking nation in global aviation, ready to implement cutting-edge practices that will drive improvements in air navigation and air traffic safety for years to come.
