FG unveils N21bn proposed building, air traffic management centre for NAMA

… says project to be completed in 30 months

The Federal Government has unveiled N21bn proposed building for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) that is without a permanent office space in Abuja.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said, “This project is being executed in strict adherence to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, following a transparent and competitive tendering process.

“I am pleased to note that the contract for the initial phase, which is a critical part of this ecosystem, has been awarded to MESSRS NHD INTERBIZ PROJECTS LIMITED. The contract, valued at 21,684,314,839.40 inclusive of all taxes, with a completion period of Thirty (30) months.

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“The contractor is expected to complete this phase within the thirty month period, and we will hold them to the highest standards of quality and timelines as stipulated in the agreement.”

Keyamo stated the event is more than just a symbolic turning of the soil. ‘It is a declaration of intent. It is a tangible demonstration of our unwavering commitment to modernising the critical infrastructure that underpins the safety, efficiency, and growth of Nigerian aviation.

“The project we are commencing today is a strategic response to the need to consolidate NAMA’s administrative and operational functions into a modern, purpose-built facility. For too long, our agencies have operated in silos and in structures that do not reflect their strategic importance.

“With this new headquarters, we are providing a conducive environment that will foster innovation, enhance collaboration, and boost the morale of the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to keep our airspace safe’.

The Minister explained that the new Headquarters will integrate executive management functions with a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Management Centre, enhancing efficiency, safety oversight, and real-time operational responsiveness.

“It will provide a secure, technology-enabled environment for the management of Nigeria’s sovereign airspace. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this groundbreaking is not an isolated event. It is a direct and deliberate action pursuant to Executive Order 12 on Improving Performance Management. Coordination and Implementation of Presidential Priorities

“This administration is fully committed to the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ an agenda that seeks to foster renewed hope and prosperity for all Nigerians. Infrastructural development must translate into tangible national capacity.

“It creates jobs. It stimulates economic activity. It enhances the security of our national assets. And ultimately, it builds confidence in the Nigerian aviation sector, encouraging investment and facilitating the seamless movement of people and goods that is vital for a thriving economy,” he stated.

Keyamo commended the management and staff of NAMA for the diligence applied in structuring the agreement. “Proper procurement, clear deliverables, and defined performance obligations are non-negotiable in projects of this magnitude.

“To the management and staff of NAMA, I charge you to see this project as a new dawn. Let this building be more than bricks and mortar, let it be a launchpad for excellence, a nerve centre for innovation, and a symbol of a new, more efficient NAMA.”

In his welcome address, the Managing Director of NAMA, Ahmed Umar Farouk, noted that since its establishment in 1999, NAMA’s administrative headquarters operated from Lagos for over two decades.

“However, in line with Federal government policy and the directive to relocate the agency to the seat of power, the Federal Capital Territory, a process that formally commenced in 2020, the need for a permanent, befitting corporate headquarters in Abuja became imperative.

“For the past six years, our dedicated staff have operated from temporary facilities in Abuja, yet they have continued to deliver on NAMA’s mandate of providing safe, efficient, and reliable air navigation services. Today, we take the definitive step to provide them with the world-class facility they so richly deserve.

“Today, we take the first concrete step towards consolidating these gains. The new NAMA Corporate Headquarters, when completed, will not just be an office complex-it will be a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Management Centre that reflects our technological advancement and strategic importance*

He said, “This project represents a fundamental shift in how we manage our airspace. For decades, our operations have been decentralised across multiple regions. Today, we announce a bold transition to a modernised, unified system.

“The heart of this new facility will be a state-of-the-art ATM Centre that will consolidate our air traffic control operations. By collapsing the two existing Area Control Centres (ACCs) in Lagos and Kano into this single, centralised hub in Abuja, we are creating a more cohesive and efficient “One FIR” (Flight Information Region) for Nigeria.

“This means that from this very spot, NAMA will exercise seamless radar control over the entire Nigerian airspace, ensuring that every aircraft, from take-off to landing, is guided by a single, unified operational authority.

“To power this vision, we are deploying the world-class cutting-edge technology that will be the backbone of our new ATM Centre, providing our controllers with unprecedented levels of situational awareness and precision. The system is designed to handle the complexities of modern air traffic with high reliability and advanced automation.

“The deployment of this new system and the consolidation of our control centres offer several transformative benefits:
Enhanced Safety: A single, unified radar view of the entire airspace reduces the risk of coordination errors during handovers between different regional sectors.

“Operational Efficiency: By streamlining our infrastructure into one primary ACC, we optimise our resources, reduce technical redundancies, and lower long-term maintenance costs.

“Optimised Flight Paths: The advanced automation allows for more direct routing and efficient fuel management for airlines, contributing to both economic savings and environmental sustainability and this system is built for the future, capable of managing the projected growth in air traffic volumes over the coming decades.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Director General of NCAA, NSIB, the Rector of NCAT and other stakeholders in the aviation sector.