NAMA Sets Record Straight On Efforts To Clear Retirees’ Entitlements Amid Major Staff Reforms

 

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has clarified issues surrounding outstanding retirees’ entitlements and allegations against its leadership, describing recent claims in the public space as misleading and lacking proper context.

Reacting to a monitored television interview on the matter, the agency acknowledged the right of retirees to express concerns but stressed that the narrative being promoted failed to reflect the full institutional realities.

NAMA stated that the backlog of retirees’ benefits predates the current administration led by Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Umar, noting that the challenge stems from longstanding policy gaps, pension complexities, and bureaucratic processes associated with public sector financial obligations.

The agency, however, emphasised that the present management has taken decisive steps to address the issue, including securing necessary approvals and initiating engagement with stakeholders and retirees’ representatives to facilitate payment.

It explained that settlement of such entitlements is subject to statutory procedures, including documentation, budgetary appropriations, administrative vetting, and government approvals.

“Portraying these processes as neglect is both unfair and misleading”, the agency stated.

Beyond retirees’ welfare, NAMA highlighted a series of far-reaching staff reforms under the current leadership. These include the full implementation of the Staff Conditions of Service; an achievement that had remained unresolved for years as well as the introduction of a new salary structure that has significantly improved staff welfare and morale.

The agency added that it has strengthened human capacity development through expanded local and international training, improved operational conditions, and sustained engagement with both serving and retired personnel.

NAMA also dismissed allegations attempting to introduce religious bias into its operations, describing such claims as false, baseless, and dangerous to institutional integrity and national cohesion.

It reaffirmed that its operations are guided strictly by professionalism, competence, inclusiveness, and national unity, warning against divisive narratives capable of undermining public trust.

The agency further pointed to ongoing improvements in navigational infrastructure, operational safety systems, and compliance with international aviation standards as evidence of steady progress under the current administration.

While acknowledging concerns over delays in entitlement payments, NAMA urged stakeholders to adopt a constructive and fact-based approach in public discourse.

It maintained that the leadership remains committed to resolving outstanding welfare issues while sustaining reforms aimed at strengthening efficiency, transparency, and service delivery within Nigeria’s airspace management system.