RismadarVoice Reporters, May 30, 2026
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has attributed delays in the payment of outstanding retirees’ entitlements to longstanding bureaucratic, policy, and pension-related challenges inherited from previous administrations.
The agency, however, said the current management under its Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Umar, has taken concrete steps to address the backlog of unpaid benefits.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its spokesperson, Abdullahi Musa, NAMA was responding to allegations of negligence raised by some aggrieved retirees during a recent television interview.
The agency said while it recognises the right of former employees to express concerns over welfare issues, it is important to clarify the circumstances surrounding the delayed payments.
According to the statement, the issue of unpaid retirees’ benefits predates the present leadership, describing it as a “longstanding institutional challenge” arising from policy gaps, pension complications, and bureaucratic bottlenecks in the public sector.
“Significantly, it was under Engr. Farouk’s administration, which renewed administrative attention and institutional commitment, was directed towards resolving the outstanding obligations,” the agency stated.
It added that following engagements with stakeholders and retirees’ representatives, the management had directed relevant departments to commence processes required for the settlement of the arrears.
NAMA, however, stressed that disbursement of public funds must follow strict statutory procedures, including documentation, budgetary provisions, and government approvals, which cannot be bypassed.
“Responsible governance within the public sector requires strict compliance with statutory procedures before final disbursement can be effected,” the statement added.
The agency warned against what it described as attempts to misrepresent procedural delays as negligence.
Beyond the retirees’ issue, NAMA said it has recorded reforms in staff welfare under the current leadership, including the full implementation of its Staff Conditions of Service and the approval of a new salary structure for employees.
It described the salary review as a “landmark enhancement” aimed at improving motivation, efficiency, and professionalism within the agency.
