The Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN) has urged the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), to advocate for a review of the federal government’s policy on the 50% automatic deduction from aviation agencies’ internally generated revenue (IGR).
AIMAN emphasized the critical role of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in ensuring air travel safety, calling for its exemption from this deduction policy. They stressed the importance of prioritizing safety over economic considerations.
William George Ngerem, former President of AIMAN, highlighted this appeal during his address marking the 2024 World AIS Day. He thanked Minister Keyamo for securing a N40 billion intervention fund for NAMA, aimed at completing AIS Automation, upgrading navigational aids, and enhancing surveillance and communication facilities.
Ngerem urged both the minister and NAMA’s Managing Director, Engr. Umar Farouk, to maintain their commitment to completing the AIS Automation project. He noted that this project would significantly improve air-to-ground communication and bring numerous benefits to Nigerian airspace.
Engr. Umar Farouk, represented by NAMA’s Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Barr Isemiuhonmon Rita Egbadon, announced that the agency is nearing the launch of AIS Automation, with the project about 90% complete. He assured that NAMA is determined to commission this important project, which will enhance its revenue generation capabilities.