Nigeria’s aviation unions have called for the privatisation or commercialisation of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), arguing that private-sector investment is essential to modernise the country’s ageing air navigation infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.
The proposal was made in a joint statement issued by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which comprises 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 Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP).
The unions said NAMA’s heavy reliance on government funding has slowed critical investments in modern air traffic management technology, leaving the agency struggling to keep pace with global aviation standards.
According to the unions, adopting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model or full privatisation would unlock private capital, improve operational efficiency and accelerate the deployment of advanced air navigation systems that are increasingly becoming the global standard.
They pointed to international examples such as Nav Canada and the United Kingdom’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS), both of which operate under commercial structures while maintaining high levels of aviation safety, technological innovation and service delivery.
The proposal comes as lawmakers consider legislation that would increase NAMA’s share of ticket sales charges generated within the aviation sector. The unions warned that reallocating more revenue to NAMA could weaken the financial position of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the country’s aviation safety regulator.
They argued that a financially independent NCAA is critical to maintaining effective oversight, enforcing safety regulations and ensuring compliance with international aviation standards.
Rather than relying on higher statutory charges, the unions said NAMA should attract long-term private investment to finance critical infrastructure upgrades, including Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, a satellite-based surveillance system that provides more accurate aircraft tracking than conventional radar. They also stressed the need for resilient backup power systems and modern communication equipment to enhance the reliability and safety of Nigeria’s airspace.
Industry analysts say modernising Nigeria’s air navigation infrastructure could improve flight efficiency, reduce delays, lower operating costs for airlines and strengthen the country’s position as a regional aviation hub. However, they note that any move toward privatisation would require a robust regulatory framework to safeguard national interests, preserve safety standards and protect aviation workers.
The unions maintained that reforming NAMA’s ownership and funding structure is necessary to ensure sustainable investment, improve service delivery and position Nigeria’s aviation industry for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive global market.
