The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmoud Kambari, has raised concerns over funding constraints, manpower shortages, and rising operational costs in Nigeria’s aviation sector, as he commenced a strategic tour of key agencies.
Kambari made the observations on Tuesday during visits to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja
The tour, which is expected to cover other aviation agencies, is part of efforts to assess operational realities, strengthen oversight, and chart a path towards improved efficiency and sector-wide coordination.
At NAMA, Managing Director Farouk Ahmed Umar highlighted the agency’s ongoing safety-critical projects, including upgrades in Aeronautical Information Services, control tower infrastructure, Voice Communication and Control Systems, and the deployment of Space Based Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast.
He, however, stressed that funding limitations, high operational costs, manpower deficits, and revenue deductions continue to pose significant challenges, calling for sustained government intervention.
Similarly, the Director General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, pointed to financial pressures arising from the Authority’s cost-recovery model, despite notable achievements in digital transformation, infrastructure upgrades, and staff welfare.
Najomo disclosed that the agency has issued eight Air Operator Certificates under the current administration, but noted that increased funding is needed to sustain regulatory efficiency and safety oversight.
Responding, Kambari assured the agencies of the Ministry’s commitment to addressing their concerns, emphasising that collaboration and coordinated policy direction would be key to overcoming systemic challenges.
He reiterated that the leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, remains focused on aligning the sector with global best practices as set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Kambari in a statement by the Director Press and Public Affairs, Chindaya Adamu, stressed the need to prioritise staff welfare, operational safety, and timely promotions, noting that a motivated workforce is essential for sustaining high performance across the aviation ecosystem.
The Permanent Secretary further underscored the importance of reviving regular top management meetings across the Ministry and its agencies to enable swift resolution of challenges and drive policy coherence.
