Sustainable Safety Cannot Be Achieved Through Technology Alone, Says NAMA MD
The Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Umar has said that “that sustainable safety cannot be achieved through technology alone. It requires the right mindset, leadership, and teamwork.”
Speaking at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) 2025 Safety Week held in Lagos under the theme, Navigating Conflict for a Safer Aviation, Umar who was represented at the event by NAMA’s Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr. Tayo John said “safety is not merely a regulatory requirement for us, but the foundation of our existence in the aviation industry. Every decision we make, every piece of technology we adopt, and every training we conduct, is driven by one overriding principle: to keep our skies safe.
For us at NAMA, the safety of our airspace remains the main reason for our existence. However, we depend on the collaboration of FAAN and other stakeholders in the aviation industry to achieve a tolerable level of safety. This underscores the need for continued symbiosis in our operations.
In addition to the above, we believe that safety thrives best in an atmosphere of open communication, continuous learning, and mutual respect. We have built a culture where differences of opinion are treated as opportunities to brainstorm, reach compromise and improve the system, rather than barriers to progress.
The theme of this year’s Safety Week “Navigating Conflict for a Safer Aviation” is both timely and thought-provoking. In an environment as dynamic and complex as ours, conflicts are inevitable. They could be operational, procedural, or human. However, it is how we manage and resolve them that defines our maturity as an industry.
Over the years, NAMA has continued to invest in modern air navigation systems, capacity building, and human factor development, all aimed at enhancing air traffic management efficiency and safety.”
Tayo said NAMA remains committed to strengthening NAMA’s Safety Management System (SMS) and Just Culture, enhancing collaborative decision-making across stakeholders and deepening training and mentorship for our air traffic professionals.
The NAMA Managing Director was honoured with an award at the end of the event.
