Keyamo Flags Off NAMA’s Ultra-Modern National ATM Headquarters in Abuja

In a bold move to modernize Nigeria’s airspace infrastructure, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Corporate Headquarters and National Air Traffic Management (ATM) Centre of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
The landmark project, located at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is widely regarded as a transformative milestone in Nigeria’s aviation reform agenda and a strategic step toward centralizing the nation’s airspace control system.
A Unified National Airspace Control System
The ultra-modern complex is designed to serve as both NAMA’s Corporate Headquarters and a centralized National ATM Centre. Upon completion, it will integrate air traffic control operations currently coordinated from Lagos and Kano into one secure, technologically advanced national hub in Abuja.
Industry experts say this consolidation will improve operational efficiency, reduce duplication of systems, enhance real-time coordination, and significantly strengthen safety oversight across Nigeria’s increasingly busy airspace.
Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo described the project as a “strategic national investment” aimed at aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with global best practices and international safety benchmarks.
“Aviation remains a critical driver of economic growth, national security, and international connectivity. This project represents our commitment to building resilient, technology-driven infrastructure that meets global standards,” the Minister stated.
Boosting ICAO Compliance and Operational Efficiency
Stakeholders at the event noted that the centralized ATM centre would enhance Nigeria’s compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards by improving command structure, data integration, and surveillance capabilities.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for prioritizing aviation infrastructure.
According to him, the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the project reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening critical national infrastructure and safeguarding Nigeria’s airspace.
“This development will redefine airspace management in Nigeria. It will enhance coordination, improve response time, and further guarantee safety for both domestic and international carriers operating within our airspace,” Umar said.
Strategic Investment in Aviation Reform
The contract for the project has been awarded to NHD Interbiz Projects Limited, marking the official commencement of what observers describe as one of the most ambitious airspace modernization projects in Nigeria’s history.
The new headquarters is expected to house cutting-edge communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, reinforcing Nigeria’s capacity to manage increasing air traffic volumes while maintaining global safety standards.
The event attracted key dignitaries across the aviation ecosystem, including the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo; the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria; lawmakers from the Senate and House Committees on Aviation; heads of aviation agencies; and other stakeholders.
A New Chapter for Nigeria’s Aviation Sector
With the groundbreaking now complete, stakeholders say the project signals a new chapter for Nigeria’s aviation industry—one defined by innovation, centralized coordination, enhanced safety oversight, and improved operational excellence.
As Nigeria positions itself as a leading aviation hub in West and Central Africa, the successful execution of the NAMA National ATM Centre will be closely watched by industry observers, regulators, and international partners alike.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo flags off construction of NAMA’s new National ATM Headquarters in Abuja, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s airspace modernization and aviation reform efforts.