The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has flagged off the construction of the new Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Corporate headquarters and Air Traffic Management (ATM), Centre in Abuja.

The ₦21.6 billion project, awarded to NHD Interbiz Projects Limited, is expected to be completed within 30 months.

The Minister stated that the project demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to modernising the critical infrastructure that will enhance the safety, efficiency, and growth of Nigerian aviation.

Speaking on Thursday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project, Keyamo said: “This project is being executed in strict adherence to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, following a transparent and competitive tendering process. I am pleased to note that the contract for the initial phase, which is a critical part of this ecosystem, has been awarded to NHD Interbiz Projects Limited. The contract is valued at 21,684,314,839.40 inclusive of all taxes with a completion period of 30 months”.

On the significance of the project, the Minister said: “This project embodies the Renewed Hope Agenda as it creates jobs, stimulates economic activity, enhances the security of our national assets and builds confidence in the Nigerian aviation sector by encouraging investment and facilitating the seamless movement of people and goods that is vital for a thriving economy.

“For too long, our agencies have operated in silos and in structures that do not reflect their strategic importance. With this new headquarters, we are providing a conducive environment that will foster innovation, enhance collaboration, and boost the morale of the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to keep our airspace safe.

“The new headquarters will integrate executive management functions with a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Management Centre, enhancing efficiency, safety oversight, and real-time operational responsiveness. It will provide a secure, technology-enabled environment for the management of Nigeria’s sovereign airspace.”

The Minister while noting that the contractor will be held to the highest standards of quality and timelines as stipulated in the agreement, urged the contractor to see it as a national assignment.

“We expect you to deploy the best of your professional skill, technical competence, and financial resources to deliver a project that will stand the test of time. There will be no compromise on quality or adherence to specifications. We will monitor every stage closely.”

The Managing Director of NAMA Engr. Ahmed Farouk noted that the project will feature a unified Air Traffic Management Centre, and enhance safety, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

He said, “This project represents a fundamental shift in how we manage our airspace. For decades, our operations have been decentralised across multiple regions. Today, we announce a bold transition to a modernised, unified system.

“The heart of this new facility will be a state-of-the-art ATM Centre that will consolidate our air traffic control operations. By collapsing the two existing Area Control Centres (ACCs) in Lagos and Kano into this single, centralised hub in Abuja, we are creating a more cohesive and efficient “One FIR” (Flight Information Region) for Nigeria.

“This means that from this very spot, NAMA will exercise seamless radar control over the entire Nigerian airspace, ensuring that every aircraft, from take-off to landing, is guided by a single, unified operational authority.”

Farouk also sought the support of the Minister for the Dual Surveillance System proposal, citing national security implications.

He said, “I wish to make a strategic appeal for your support of our proposal for a Dual Surveillance System. This is not merely a system upgrade; it is a vital national security imperative. This new system is designed to serve a dual purpose: conventional air traffic management and a dedicated Military command and control system. In view of the persistent security challenges our nation faces, this integrated surveillance solution is a critical tool to help secure our sovereign airspace and support our military forces.” (The Nation)