In a bold step to strengthen aviation safety and efficiency, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has commenced a comprehensive audit of Nigeria’s entire airspace, marking the first such initiative in the agency’s 25-year history.
The exercise, which kicked off this week, will cover detailed inspections of major international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, as well as Enugu, Maiduguri, and several state and private aerodromes.
The audit also extends to Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) facilities nationwide, reinforcing Nigeria’s preparedness for global aviation assessments.
According to NAMA Managing Director, Engineer Farouk Ahmed Umar, the initiative goes beyond routine checks, serving as a strategic self-assessment of Nigeria’s aviation safety systems.
The audit will examine air traffic services (ATS), aeronautical information management (AIM), planning and statistics, safety operations, and search-and-rescue systems.
Umar emphasized that the audit is critical for NAMA’s readiness ahead of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)’s certification of Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP), as well as the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and Regional Office Safety Team (ROST) missions.
“This audit is more than a compliance check. It is a declaration of our resolve to constantly improve, to measure ourselves against the highest global standards, and to guarantee that every flight in Nigeria’s airspace is managed with the utmost safety and efficiency,” Umar said.
The FIR (Flight Information Region) Audit is expected to foster accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within NAMA while boosting Nigeria’s reputation in the global aviation community.
Stakeholders say the exercise will not only identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement but also provide the government with a clearer roadmap for modernizing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
Umar noted that the initiative reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which places strong emphasis on positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in aviation excellence.
To oversee the exercise, Umar inaugurated an FIR Audit Committee, headed by Ahmad Abba, NAMA’s Director of Special Duties.
The committee comprises experts in air traffic services, CNS/ATM systems, AIM, safety management, and search-and-rescue operations.
The committee is mandated to work closely with industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and frontline operational staff to ensure a rigorous and transparent process.
Industry analysts believe this move could be transformational for Nigerian aviation, particularly in strengthening safety oversight, attracting global investment, and preparing for the anticipated surge in passenger traffic across Africa.
By proactively aligning with ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and domestic aviation regulations, Nigeria is positioning itself as a benchmark for airspace management in Africa.
Umar reiterated:
“The safety and efficiency of our airspace is non-negotiable. The successful outcome of this initiative will consolidate Nigeria’s credibility and leadership in the global aviation community.”
The FIR Audit is expected to conclude later this year, with findings and recommendations guiding NAMA’s operational reforms.
For now, aviation stakeholders are optimistic that the initiative will redefine Nigeria’s airspace management, enhance operational safety, and project the country as a serious contender in global aviation standards.
With Nigeria being West Africa’s busiest aviation hub, experts agree that the success of this audit could serve as a model for other African nations, reinforcing the country’s influence in continental and international aviation circles.