THE Joint Action Committee (JAC) of unions at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advocated for the privatization of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to enhance air navigation and safety.
In a statement, unions including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), expressed that NAMA’s dependence on government funding hinders the adoption of essential technologies.
They proposed either full privatization or a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to create an independent entity with private sector engagement, emphasizing efficiency and safety.
The unions highlighted that a commercially driven NAMA could access private financing for modern systems, unlike the bureaucratic delays caused by government reliance.
They referenced successful models like Nav Canada and criticized NAMA’s proposed fee increases, advocating instead for improved operational efficiency and transparency in financial reporting.
The unions emphasized preserving the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)’s independence as a safety regulator during any commercial changes.