The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has charged members of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) to be rededicated to service in ensuring safety of the country’s airspace.

The managing director of NAMA, Umar Farouk, gave the charge at the commissioning of the secretariat of the Lagos state chapter of NATCA on Friday in Lagos.

Mr Farouk, who was represented by John Tayo, director of air traffic services at NAMA, said the current management had shown commitment to the welfare of members of staff and the agency.

According to him, it is time to reciprocate the management’s gesture through hard work and service delivery.

He urged the members of staff to eschew acts capable of bringing NAMA into disrespect among other agencies around the world.

He said he was elated that the project, which started a few months ago through the initiative of the local executives of NATCA, had been completed.

Mr Farouk commended the high level of commitment and zeal by the Lagos chapter of NATCA chairman Harrison Duru in ensuring that the project was completed.

“What we are seeing here is the selfless efforts put in by everyone to see it completed. I can see that our future is bright already,” Mr Farouk said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the airline manager for supporting the local executives.

In his speech, Mr Duru said the idea to build the secretariat was conceived and materialised as a result of coordinated efforts.

He said the chapter planned to have a gym and table tennis court for the aviation community.

Mr Duru said construction of the building was a result of necessity when, in 2024, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria demolished the personnel area used by NATCA.

He narrated that it was difficult for them to cope at that time, as a result of a lack of accommodation for the air traffic controllers.

Mr Duru said the secretariat would serve for daily post-work briefings and reviews.

He, therefore, appealed to the management of NAMA to help furnish the office with the necessary facilities.

Mr Duru equally appealed to colleagues to make judicious use of the secretariat as it was jointly constructed.

Present at the event were the general managers of Aeronautical Information Services, Gausa Yahaya, and human resources, Solomon Ohiomah, airspace manager for Murtala Muhammed Airport, and the Military Airport Commandant, Group Capt. Stella Udo.

The secretariat was commissioned at the premises of NAMA, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

(NAN)