Keyamo Launches N21bn NAMA Headquarters Development

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, conducted a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for the new corporate headquarters and Air Traffic Management (ATM) Centre of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

In a related announcement, the Senate Committee on Aviation and the House Committee on Aviation commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for its effective handling of the fire that damaged the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, known as Terminal 1, earlier in the week.

Abdullahi Ganduje, the Board chairman of FAAN, expressed concern that the fire incident might impede President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s planned reforms in the aviation sector.

The development of the new corporate headquarters and ATM is projected to cost around twenty-one billion, six hundred and eighty-four million, three hundred and fourteen thousand, eight hundred and thirty-nine naira, inclusive of taxes, with a scheduled completion timeline of thirty months.

While addressing attendees at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the designated project location, Keyamo emphasized that the event marked more than just the turning of soil; it symbolized a commitment.

"This serves as a tangible indication of our ongoing commitment to modernize vital infrastructure that ensures the safety, effectiveness, and expansion of aviation in Nigeria," he remarked.

Keyamo also noted that the initiative represents a strategic move to pool NAMA’s administrative and operational capabilities within a modernized facility.

"For too long, our agencies have functioned independently and within frameworks that fail to reflect their strategic significance. This new headquarters will create an environment that promotes innovation, enhances collaboration, and uplifts the spirits of the dedicated staff who tirelessly work to maintain our airspace's safety," he stated.

The new headquarters is designed to combine executive management operations with a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Management Centre, improving efficiency, safety supervision, and real-time operational response.

Keyamo clarified that the project would adhere strictly to the Public Procurement Act of 2007, following a thorough and competitive bidding process. He conveyed satisfaction that the contract for the initial phase, an essential component of this project, has been awarded to MESSRS NHD INTERBIZ PROJECTS LIMITED for a total of N21,684,314,839.40.

"The contractor is expected to fulfil this phase within the set thirty-month deadline, and we will ensure compliance with the highest quality standards and timelines as specified in the agreement," Keyamo affirmed.

He added that this groundbreaking is not an isolated event. "As we commence this project, we are not merely excavating; we are laying the groundwork for the future of air navigation services in Nigeria. We aim to create a legacy of safety, security, and prosperity for generations to come. Once completed, this facility will symbolize reform in our aviation sector."

Keyamo praised NAMA’s management and staff for their diligence in securing the necessary agreements, stating that proper procurement, clear deliverables, and defined performance obligations are essential for projects of this scale. "Management and staff of NAMA, I urge you to envision this project as a new beginning, and let this building signify more than just its physical presence; let it be a catalyst for excellence and innovation, representing a more efficient NAMA," he added.

Addressing the contractor, MESSRS NHD INTERBIZ PROJECTS LIMITED, he described the project as a national assignment, urging them to utilize their professional skills, technical expertise, and financial resources effectively to ensure the durability of this project.

Keyamo emphasized that there would be no compromises on quality or adherence to specifications, with close monitoring of each phase of the project.

In a previous statement, the Managing Director/CEO of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, highlighted the importance of the day, noting it would be remembered positively in NAMA's history.

Umar remarked, "For the past six years, our committed employees have operated from temporary facilities in Abuja, yet have consistently fulfilled NAMA's mission of providing safe and reliable air navigation services. Today marks a pivotal step towards providing them with the world-class facility they deserve."

He emphasized that this initiative signifies a transformative shift in how airspace is managed, stating, "For decades, our operations have been dispersed across multiple regions, and today, we are announcing a significant transition to a modern and integrated system."

Umar also pointed out that the new facility would house an advanced ATM Centre that will centralize air traffic control functions.

"By merging the existing Area Control Centres in Lagos and Kano into this single hub in Abuja, we create a cohesive and efficient Flight Information Region for Nigeria. This will enable NAMA to maintain comprehensive radar control over all Nigerian airspace, ensuring every aircraft is managed under a unified operational authority from take-off to landing," he explained.

Following an assessment of the fire incident, members of the National Assembly expressed their satisfaction with FAAN's coordinated response with NAMA and security forces, which enabled quick resumption of airline operations.

Abdulfatai Buhari, the Senate Committee on Aviation Chairman, reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing safety.

He stated, "The present administration is dedicated to ensuring safety at all costs. When this incident occurred, we resolved to conduct an on-site assessment today because Thursday was reserved for budget defense meetings. We are thankful that no lives were lost, which is most important, and we are pleased that FAAN and all involved agencies acted in accordance with expectations. Their prompt actions, including flight diversions, indicate a high level of response, and we commend them for that."

Buhari further added that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, and they would await the results before making any official statements regarding the incident, emphasizing that speculation about potential sabotage would be avoided until the investigations are completed.

Similarly, Abdullahi Garba, Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, stated that they would defer their official response until the investigation into the fire, which damaged essential weather, communication, and navigational equipment, has concluded.

After assessing the impacted terminal and temporary facilities, Ganduje expressed regret over the loss of critical equipment due to the fire and emphasized the need for stakeholders to address the situation quickly.

"This is indeed a regrettable incident. We have yet to receive a full report. However, it is clear that this situation poses a challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s aviation reforms, even though the staff is adequately prepared to manage the situation. From our observations, firefighters responded effectively to mitigate the damage caused by the fire; fortunately, no lives were lost during the incident. The situation appears to be under control, but it remains unfortunate," he remarked.

Regarding the temporary terminal, he noted: "I thought I was in one of the well-established international airports abroad, but I am pleased to recognize that I am in Lagos, Nigeria. The quality of work is impressive, and repairs are currently underway. I believe it will play a significant role in the success of the aviation reform undertaking."