* Managing Director of NAMA,Capt. Fola Akinkuotu
…Recertifies 30
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has obtained licenses for 24 newly recruited Air Traffic Control(ATC) officers from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Organization (NCAA) after successfully undergoing the necessary training and examination on Aerodrome and Approach Control.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Managing Director of NAMA Capt. Fola Akinkuotu at the weekend.
According to him, the licensing is part of efforts to boost capacity and efficiency of Air Traffic Management(ATM) in the country
He explained that the new ATCs are currently being posted to strategic aerodromes in the country according to their need.
Similarly, the Managing Director said that the agency has also re-certified a total of 30 ATCs in different categories air traffic control including Terminal Approach Radar, Area Procedural Control and Area Surveillance Control after passing the required proficiency/rating tests and certified mentally fit in line with Annex 1 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and part II of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (NCAR).
He recalled that from 2020 to date, the agency re-certified a total of 194 ATCs in addition to their periodic training and retraining, targeted at keeping them up to speed with latest skills and technology in air traffic management to ensure they remain competitive with their peers globally.
The NAMA helmsman also revealed that to reduce delays and congestion in the nation’s airspace the agency has commenced the construction of Aerodrome and Approach Control simulator at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos as a pilot project to be replicated in Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.
Akinkuotu, who noted that the safety of the Nigerian airspace remained a cardinal goal of the agency, also enjoined ATCs to continue doing their best in order to justify the government’s huge investment in building critical infrastructure as well as capacity of personnel.
