The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, has concluded a two-day familiarisation visit to the headquarters of various aviation agencies in Abuja. The tour, which took place on January 9-10, 2025, was aimed at understanding the operations, achievements, and challenges of the agencies under his ministry.
During the visit, Dr. Kana expressed his commitment to fostering collaboration, enhancing funding, and improving the overall performance of the aviation sector.
The Permanent Secretary began his visit at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), where he lauded the agency’s pivotal role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. While commending NAMA’s staff for their dedication and teamwork, Dr. Kana emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving organizational goals.
He pledged to work with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to address the funding challenges facing the agency. Dr. Kana also toured NAMA’s facilities, urging the management to prioritize staff welfare and maintain the highest standards of service delivery.
Earlier, NAMA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, highlighted the agency’s achievements and challenges, including funding gaps, infrastructural needs, staff shortages, and training requirements. He expressed optimism that the Permanent Secretary’s leadership would drive the agency towards achieving the goals outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Kana underscored the agency’s critical role in consumer protection and improving public trust in the aviation industry. He urged NCAA to enhance maintenance practices at airports to attract more airline operators and foster collaboration with security agencies to strengthen airport security.
NCAA Ag.Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, outlined the agency’s achievements, including resolving staff welfare issues, commissioning regional offices, and improving regulatory standards. He called for stronger consumer engagement and adherence to passenger rights, emphasizing compensation for delayed flights.
At African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), the Permanent Secretary commended the University for its contributions to the growth of aviation and aerospace education in Nigeria.
While addressing the university’s leadership, the Permanent Secretary encouraged the Registrar and management to redouble efforts in expanding the institution’s capacity to attract more talent and resources. He stressed the importance of building a robust system that meets global standards that will positions AAAU as a premier institution for aviation and aerospace education. Adding that African Aviation and Aerospace University continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The Permanent Secretary expressed satisfaction with the progress so far and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the university’s vision of becoming a leading institution in Africa for aviation and aerospace studies.
In his welcome address, the Registrar of AAAU, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary for his visit and outlined the institution’s achievements and challenges. He noted that funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has been instrumental in financing several university projects, including the development of its permanent site, which is currently under construction.
The Registrar highlighted a key challenge: the need for increased funding and additional staff to support the university’s expanding operations. Despite these hurdles, the institution remains committed to its mission of providing top-tier aviation and aerospace education in Nigeria.
The visit concluded with a facility tour of AAAU’s permanent site, where construction is progressing steadily.
While at Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Dr. Kana commended the agency’s role in providing critical weather information for transportation and its partnership with state governments on climate early warning systems. He urged stronger inter-agency collaboration to further the ministry’s objectives.
NiMet’s Director General, Professor Charles Anosike, highlighted the agency’s unique position as a member of the World Meteorological Organization’s council and announced plans for the 2025 Weather Forecast, scheduled for February 4, 2025.
At NSIB, Dr. Kana praised the agency’s efforts in reducing accident recurrence through its recommendations. He acknowledged the expanded responsibilities under the 2022 Act and pledged to work with the Honourable Minister to secure the necessary support for the agency’s operations.
In his remarks, NSIB Director General, Captain Barda Junior, appreciated the Permanent Secretary’s visit and highlighted challenges such as funding and compliance with the NSIB Establishment Act.
Signed
Odutayo Oluseyi
Head, Press & Public Relations
