President Bola Tinubu has decided to halt the proposed merger of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. This decision follows a careful review of the Steve Oronsanye Report, which initially recommended the merger as part of efforts to streamline government agencies.
Keyamo also revealed that the aviation sector has been exempted from the federal government’s temporary ban on publicly funded international trips. He credited this exemption to President Tinubu’s commitment to safety, growth, and international compliance within the sector.
The announcement was made during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the NCAA in Abuja.
Why the Aviation Sector Was Exempted from the Travel Ban
The federal government had previously issued a directive restricting all publicly funded international trips for government officials as part of efforts to manage the country’s economic situation. The directive, which took effect on April 1, 2024, stated:
“Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, Mr. President has placed a temporary ban on all publicly funded international trips for all federal government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three months.”
However, during the NCAA’s anniversary event, Keyamo explained why aviation officials were granted an exemption, citing the sector’s critical role in national safety and international compliance.
“Let us give particular thanks to Mr. President. Despite that memo, he made an exception for the aviation industry. I wrote a memo to him on behalf of the entire aviation agency, stating that while we respect the directive and acknowledge the need for frugality, aviation is a safety-sensitive sector that requires international cooperation. The President graciously granted the exemption.”
The exemption ensures that aviation professionals can continue engaging in international regulatory meetings, safety audits, and training programs to uphold Nigeria’s status in global air travel governance.
President Tinubu’s Decision to Halt the NCAA-NAMA Merger
The Steve Oronsanye Report, first proposed during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, recommended merging multiple government agencies to reduce duplication and improve efficiency. The report was revisited under President Muhammadu Buhari and later reviewed by the Tinubu administration.
Keyamo disclosed that when the Oronsanye Report was reconsidered, the government ultimately decided against merging NCAA and NAMA after extensive deliberations.
“The Oronsanye report recommended merging the NCAA and NAMA, which was one of the first things we considered in this government. The President reviewed the recommendations carefully and asked the council to vote on each item. When the proposed NCAA-NAMA merger was brought up, it was reconsidered, and the decision was made to retain the NCAA as an independent entity.”
Why the NCAA-NAMA Merger Was Dropped
Keyamo highlighted the critical role of NCAA in maintaining international aviation standards, saying that merging it with NAMA would have undermined its autonomy and ability to perform independent safety oversight.
“NCAA is a resilient institution. Despite past challenges and attempts to weaken it, it has survived 25 years. Any child who reaches 25 has matured, and so has NCAA.”
He further emphasized the NCAA’s achievements, including:
- Enhanced supervisory measures
- Robust safety and security oversight
- Improvements in air traffic management
- Airport expansion and certification
- Accurate meteorological services
- Timely accident investigations
- Support for indigenous airlines
The NCAA’s independence is essential for ensuring Nigeria complies with international aviation safety standards. Merging it with NAMA, which focuses on air traffic management rather than regulatory oversight, could have compromised Nigeria’s standing with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other global regulatory bodies.
Conclusion
The decision to halt the NCAA-NAMA merger and exempt the aviation sector from the travel ban reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the aviation industry. By keeping NCAA as an independent regulatory body, the government ensures that safety, compliance, and operational efficiency remain priorities in Nigeria’s airspace management.
With ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the aviation sector is poised for further reforms and development, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in global aviation.
