CSOs rates NAMA boss, Farouk high on leadership, competence, others

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the auspices of Public Service Lens on the Institutional Excellence in Public Public Service has rated the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk high on leadership and competence.

At a world press conference on Thursday in Abuja they pointed out that, across the world, public institutions are assessed by outcomes, efficiency, accountability, and service delivery, adding that public expectations, locally and internationally connotes that institutions must work, must serve the public interest, and must deliver measurable results.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Convener, Women’s Inclusion, Empowerment and Leadership Development Initiative, Okeke Amarachi clarified that the gathering is not intended as personal praise, but as a public service assessment and a working model demonstrating how leadership choices can translate into institutional renewal.

“It is within this context that NAMA emerges as a compelling example of what is possible when competence aligns with responsibility and leadership is driven by performance rather than excuses.”

According to Amarachi, two years of Farouk’s tenure, operating under the policy supervision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has demonstrated that public institutions can achieve visible, verifiable, and sustainable progress.

“Every public officer receives a mandate. Only a few convert it into impact. Every leader inherits a system. Only a few transform it.

“Within two years, Engr. Farouk has introduced a leadership approach anchored on technical competence, administrative discipline, strategic foresight, and human-centred governance. His stewardship reflects four key public service principles.

“With deep roots in airspace engineering, he approaches aviation management with precision, prioritising safety, infrastructure integrity, and compliance with global standards.

“Procurement integrity, process audits, and strict adherence to ICAO standards have strengthened institutional credibility and public confidence.

“Staff welfare has been repositioned as a structural requirement for safety and productivity.

“Promotions, training, allowances, arrears, and morale improvements reflect a people-centred reform agenda.

“Rather than media-driven leadership, this administration has focused on consistent delivery, allowing outcomes to define performance.

“In two years, NAMA has recorded reforms regarded by aviation experts as historic and foundational:

“Deployment of ADS-B systems nationwide, upgraded voice control systems, enhanced surveillance infrastructure, automated towers, and improved aerodrome communication systems across 32 airports, aligning Nigeria with ICAO standards.

“Strengthened collaboration with FAAN, NCAA, NIMET, NSIB, NCAT, the Nigerian Air Force, and international partners, improving coordination and operational safety.

“Introduction of OJT, hazard, outfit, education, and productivity allowances, settlement of long-standing arrears, and ongoing upgrades to Conditions of Service.

“Groundbreaking for NAMA’s ultra-modern headquarters, signalling long-term institutional repositioning. These interventions have improved safety, efficiency, staff morale, and Nigeria’s global aviation standing.

“The experience of NAMA under Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk is a practical demonstration of what Nigeria’s public service can become when leadership is anchored on responsibility, discipline, and results.

“It reinforces a simple truth:

Nigeria works when leadership works. Institutions rise when leaders rise.

“NAMA’s transformation is not merely a sectoral success; it is a national lesson and a call to duty for all public office holders.”