Summary：**Four Aviation Unions Desperately Call for NAMA Privatization as Jobs Hang in Balance****Introducti

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**Four Aviation Unions Desperately Call for NAMA Privatization as Jobs Hang in Balance**

**Introduction**
Four major aviation unions have intensified their push for the Federal Government to privatise or commercialise the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The unions argue that transferring NAMA to private hands is the only viable route to modernise Nigeria’s air navigation infrastructure, curb chronic delays, and safeguard thousands of jobs that now teeter on the edge of uncertainty. The appeal comes amid mounting pressure from airlines and international regulators demanding upgrades to radar, communication, and surveillance systems across the nation’s airspace.

**Key Developments**
On Tuesday, the unions—representing air traffic controllers, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff—issued a joint statement urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to fast‑track a privatisation framework similar to those adopted in Kenya and South Africa. They cited a recent audit that revealed NAMA’s equipment utilization rate at just 58 %, far below the International Civil Aviation Organization’s recommended 85 % benchmark. The unions warned that without immediate investment, Nigeria risks losing its Category 1 safety rating, a move that could trigger flight restrictions and further jeopardise employment in the sector. In response, the Ministry of Aviation said it is reviewing the proposal but stressed that any transition must protect workers’ rights and maintain national security oversight.

**Industry Analysis**
Analysts note that NAMA’s current funding model—reliant on annual budget allocations—has left it vulnerable to political cycles and delayed procurement. Privatisation could unlock access to capital markets, enabling the acquisition of next‑generation satellite‑based navigation (SBN) tools and automated conflict‑resolution systems. However, experts caution