In a significant move to enhance Nigeria’s aviation industry, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, led a high-powered delegation to ATOM Aviation Training Services in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The visit, which took place on Thursday 21st November 2024, underscores the federal government’s commitment to advancing technical capacity and infrastructure within the Nigerian aviation sector.Accompanying the Honourable Minister were Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Ahmad Abba, mni, Director of Special Duties, NAMA. The technical delegation engaged with ATOM Aviation’s leadership to explore collaborative opportunities in training, innovation, and capacity building for Nigeria’s aviation workforce.
Accompanying the Honourable Minister were Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Ahmad Abba, mni, Director of Special Duties, NAMA. The technical delegation engaged with ATOM Aviation’s leadership to explore collaborative opportunities in training, innovation, and capacity building for Nigeria’s aviation workforce.
During the visit, Minister Keyamo emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and advanced training for the industry. “A well-trained workforce is the backbone of any thriving aviation sector. Our mission is to create a world-class aviation industry in Nigeria, and partnerships like this are pivotal to achieving that goal,” he stated.
The team toured ATOM Aviation’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include ATC simulators, emergency response training modules, and aviation safety systems. Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar highlighted the potential of integrating such cutting-edge training tools into Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. “Collaborations like this will ensure our airspace management personnel are equipped with the best global practices and technologies,” he remarked.
Ahmad Abba, mni, added that the visit aligns with the broader vision of the Honourable Minister of positioning Nigeria as a regional aviation hub. “The insights and potential partnerships from this engagement will contribute to sustainable growth in our sector, ensuring we remain competitive on the global stage,” he said.
ATOM Aviation Training Services, a leader in aviation education and safety training in the Middle East, expressed enthusiasm about working with Nigeria. “We see tremendous potential in the Nigerian aviation market and are committed to supporting its growth through training and technology transfer,” said Ibrahim Al Hazaimeh, the training manager of ATOM Aviation.
The visit concluded with discussions on future collaborations, focusing on specialized training programmes for air traffic controllers, CNS engineers, AIS and other critical personnel. These programmes aim to address skill gaps, enhance safety standards, and boost efficiency across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
This visit is expected to pave the way for transformative changes in Nigeria’s aviation industry, reinforcing the government’s determination to elevate the sector to global standards.
