ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has defended its Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, amid recent allegations concerning retirees’ outstanding entitlements, insisting that the current administration has taken significant steps to address longstanding welfare challenges inherited from previous leaderships.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr. Abdullahi Musa, NAMA said recent claims made during a television interview regarding retirees’ benefits and the agency’s leadership failed to reflect the full realities surrounding the issue.
According to the agency, the challenge of unpaid retirees’ entitlements did not originate under the present administration but is a longstanding institutional issue linked to policy implementation gaps, pension-related complications, and bureaucratic procedures associated with public sector financial obligations.
NAMA stated that under the leadership of Engr. Farouk Umar, renewed efforts were initiated to address the outstanding obligations through engagements with relevant stakeholders and retirees’ representatives.
The agency explained that while administrative approvals and processes have been activated, payment of the benefits remains subject to statutory procedures, including documentation, budgetary appropriations, administrative vetting, and government approvals.
“Responsible governance within the public sector requires strict compliance with established procedures before final disbursement can be effected,” the statement noted.
Beyond the retirees’ issue, NAMA highlighted several staff welfare initiatives introduced under the current administration, including the full implementation of the agency’s Staff Conditions of Service, which it described as a major achievement after years of agitation by employees.
The agency also disclosed that it recently approved and implemented a new salary structure for workers, resulting in improved remuneration and staff welfare across the organisation.
According to NAMA, the salary enhancement reflects management’s commitment to improving employee welfare and strengthening the agency’s operational efficiency and competitiveness within the aviation industry.
The statement further cited investments in staff development through local and international training programmes, improved operational conditions, and continued engagement with serving and retired employees on welfare-related matters.
Addressing allegations that attempted to link administrative decisions to religious considerations, NAMA firmly rejected any suggestion of religious bias within the agency.
The agency emphasized that it operates on principles of professionalism, inclusiveness, competence, and national unity, warning that attempts to inject religious sentiments into administrative matters could undermine workplace harmony and institutional effectiveness.
NAMA also dismissed allegations that public resources were being used to support the personal religious activities of the Managing Director, describing the claims as false and without factual basis.
The agency maintained that Engr. Farouk Umar’s personal religious activities are privately funded and have no connection to public finances.
Highlighting achievements recorded under the current leadership, NAMA pointed to improvements in navigational infrastructure, operational safety systems, technical manpower development, and compliance with international aviation standards.
The agency said these initiatives have contributed to greater institutional stability and operational performance, earning recognition from stakeholders within the aviation sector.
While acknowledging frustrations over delays in retirees’ payments, NAMA called for constructive and fact-based engagement on welfare matters, stressing the need to avoid divisive narratives capable of undermining institutional harmony.
The agency reiterated its commitment to addressing retirees’ concerns while sustaining reforms aimed at improving staff welfare and strengthening Nigeria’s airspace management system.
