NAMA MD Says Women Remain Underrepresented In Technical, Leadership Roles
The Managing Director of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar has said that “across the global aviation industry, women remain underrepresented in several technical and leadership roles. Bridging this gap requires deliberate action, through mentorship, access to training, supportive workplace policies and sustained institutional commitment.”
In his speech presented at the NAAPE 2016 International Women’s Day Celebration by his Acting General Manager, Standards, Mrs. Hauwa Musa, Umar said in spite of the celebration of progress, “we must also acknowledge that more work remains to be done.”
He described the event as “a moment for reflection, recognition and renewed commitment. It is a day when the global community acknowledges the extraordinary contributions of women across every sector of society while also recommitting to the ideals of equality, inclusion and opportunity. In aviation, these values are particularly significant. Aviation is a sector built on precision, discipline, innovation and teamwork. For many decades, however, the industry was largely perceived as the domain of men. Today, we are proud to say that this narrative is steadily changing. Women are increasingly occupying critical positions across the aviation value chain, as pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, aviation managers, safety experts, regulators and technical specialists. In Nigeria, we have witnessed remarkable progress. Women are not just participating in aviation. They are leading, innovating and shaping the future of our industry. From the cockpit to the control tower, from engineering workshops to regulatory institutions, women continue to demonstrate excellence, professionalism and resilience. Within the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), we take pride in the rowing number of women who are contributing to the safe, orderly and efficient management of Nigeria’s airspace. Our female air traffic controllers, engineers and technical personnel perform some of the most demanding tasks in aviation with exceptional competence and dedication. Their work ensures that aircraft operating with Nigerian airspace do so safely and efficiently every single day.
Their achievements remind us that aviation is ultimately about human capacity, about skill, knowledge, discipline and the courage to embrace responsibility. These qualities are not defined by gender, they are defined by opportunity and determination.”
Umar said NAMA recognizes “that the future of aviation depends on how effectively we nurture talent to promote capacity development, professional training and inclusive opportunities that allow every qualified individual, male or female, to contribute meaningfully to the safety and advancement of our air navigation services. Equally important is the need to inspire the next generation; young girls across within it. They must see women flying aircraft, maintaining complex aviation Nigeria must be able to look at the aviation industry and see a future for themselves systems, managing air traffic operations, and leading major aviation institutions. Representation matters because it expands the horizons of what young people believe is possible.”
He commended NAAPE for organizing the event and said: “Your association continues to play an important role in strengthening professionalism, technical excellence and industry collaboration within Nigeria’s aviation sector. Events such as this not only celebrate achievements but also stimulate dialogue on how we can build a more inclusive and forward- looking aviation industry. The aviation ecosystem functions best when all its stakeholders work together, pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, regulators and service providers. Each group plays a critical role in maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. Our shared responsibility is to ensure that Nigeria’s aviation system continues to grow in line with global best practices and international standards. As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, let us reaffirm a simple but powerful commitment: to create an aviation industry where talent is nurtured, where opportunity is accessible and where every professional, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to the advancement of our nation. To the remarkable women gathered here today and those serving across the aviation celebrate your dedication, your contributions continue to strengthen the safety, professionalism and future aviation in Nigeria.”
