NAMA tasks aviators on accuracy of statistical data

THE Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Ibrahim Abdulsalam has charged the Aviation Statistical Committee of the Federal Ministry of Transport to ensure that data produced on Nigerian air transportation is credible, reliable and harmonized in order to meet international best practices.

Abdulsalam who made these remarks in a key-note address at the second meeting of the Aviation Statistical Committee for the year 2015 which, held in Otta, Ogun State maintained that a dynamic Nigerian aviation industry also requires timely, reliable and accurate statistical data for effective planning that would enhance safety of the nation’s airspace.

The NAMA boss who was represented by the General Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics Alhaji Mai-sallau Musa also assured that all the agency’s Air Traffic Management systems are operating at optima levels, stressing that “the safety of the nation’s airspace has resulted in more airlines and flights operating in and out of the country in the last five years.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the committee, Mr Mandu Adedoyin urged members to come up with a mechanism that would enhance statistical development to effectively meet the needs of local and international users.

Meanwhile, security agencies have applauded NAMAs e- clearance web portal. The commendations were made during the demonstration of the e-clearance module to National Air Defence Corp and other security agencies by NAMA at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Military Airport Commandant, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Group Capt. Simon Peter said ,“The aviation industry globally has gone digital and what NAMA has done by deploying the e-clearance portal is the way forward because apart from facilitating the process of getting the clearances, it also helps to improve the country’s rating on the ease of doing business,” adding that the internet solution will also improve security because all security agencies now have copies at the same time the checks are going on, so it make it easier, better and faster for us to work and I think it is a good way to go. You can be assured that the Nigerian Air Force is going to sustain collaboration with NAMA as they continue to enhance air traffic management capacity as well as airspace security.”

In his remarks, the Chief of Staff, British Military Advisory and Training Team in Nigeria, Squadron. Leader. Ian Partridge described the innovation as “a complete step change in the way many nations do their clearances for aircraft and the fact that you have done this in less than two years is quite outstanding.”