The Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Terese Ihenachor, has received the Outstanding Public Service Award from the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).

Ihenachor was honoured at the maiden APWEN Lagos Engineering Summit 2026 for her contributions to engineering excellence, the empowerment of women engineers and sustainable professional development.

The award recognises her leadership in the aviation sector, particularly her role in strengthening the maintenance, modernisation and reliability of critical Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) infrastructure across Nigeria.

Ihenachor made history in December 2023 when she became NAMA’s first female substantive Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services.

Since assuming the position, she has provided strategic direction for the maintenance and upgrade of safety-critical systems supporting air navigation and flight operations across the country.

A statement signed by NAMA’s Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr. Abdullahi Musa, said the directorate had recorded significant progress under Ihenachor’s leadership in the upgrade and deployment of critical communication, navigation and surveillance facilities.

The agency said she had also strengthened maintenance regimes for safety-critical systems, improved technical planning and operational coordination, and prioritised the timely calibration of navigational aids to ensure their accuracy, integrity and compliance with applicable international standards.

One of the major demonstrations of her technical leadership was the recent deployment of a Mobile Control Tower at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following a fire incident that affected critical air-ground communication infrastructure at the old terminal.

The swift deployment helped ensure continuity of safe air navigation services at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub.

Under Ihenachor’s technical supervision, the mobile facility was tested and adapted to Nigeria’s operational requirements through local innovations, including a smart flight-strip system and seamless connectivity with NAMA’s Centrex and Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria systems.

NAMA said arrangements had also commenced for the deployment of another mobile control tower to support Runway 18R.

Ihenachor joined the civil aviation sector in 1994 and rose through various technical and managerial positions, including General Manager, Workshop, Planning and Logistics, before her appointment as director.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, she has been involved in initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in engineering and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and Nigerian Institute of Management.

She is also a former Secretary and Treasurer of APWEN and founded the Girl-Child Engineer Initiative to promote greater participation of girls and women in engineering.

According to APWEN, the award was part of efforts to celebrate women whose leadership is contributing to the advancement of engineering, innovation and efficiency in public service.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to staff welfare and the settlement of outstanding retirees’ benefits, stating that significant progress has been made under the leadership of its Managing Director, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar.

The agency made the clarification in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr. Abdullahi Musa, in response to recent public comments concerning retirees’ entitlements and allegations against the management.

According to NAMA, the issue of unpaid retirees’ benefits predates the current administration and stems from longstanding institutional challenges linked to pension administration, policy implementation gaps and public-sector bureaucratic processes.

The agency, however, stressed that renewed efforts to address the matter began under the present management, with Engr. Farouk securing the necessary approvals and directing relevant departments to commence processes aimed at settling the outstanding obligations.

NAMA explained that the disbursement of such entitlements must comply with statutory requirements, including documentation, budgetary provisions, administrative verification and government approvals.

While acknowledging the concerns of retirees, the agency maintained that the delays should not be interpreted as neglect, noting that due process remains essential in the management of public funds.

Beyond retirees’ welfare, NAMA highlighted what it described as landmark staff-focused reforms implemented by the current administration. These include the successful implementation of the agency’s Staff Conditions of Service in full, a long-standing demand by workers that previous administrations were unable to achieve.

The agency also disclosed that a new salary structure had recently been approved and implemented, resulting in improved remuneration, enhanced welfare packages and increased staff morale across the organisation.

According to the statement, the administration has further invested in human capacity development through expanded local and international training opportunities, improved working conditions and sustained engagement with both serving and retired personnel.

NAMA said the reforms have contributed to greater institutional stability, enhanced operational efficiency and improved service delivery within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The agency also rejected allegations suggesting the diversion of public resources for personal religious activities, describing such claims as false and unfounded.

It reiterated that NAMA remains committed to professionalism, inclusiveness and national unity, stressing that religion has no place in administrative decision-making within the agency.

The statement further noted that under Engr. Farouk’s stewardship, NAMA has continued to strengthen navigational infrastructure, improve operational safety systems, develop technical manpower and maintain compliance with international aviation standards.

According to the agency, these achievements have earned recognition from stakeholders across the aviation industry and underscore the management’s commitment to institutional transformation and staff welfare.

Nigeria’s aviation sector may be on the verge of critical reforms as the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association raises fresh concerns over safety and operational efficiency, calling for immediate intervention to strengthen the country’s airspace management system.

In a detailed statement jointly signed by NATCA President, Edino Ilemona Amos, and General Secretary, Umar Fahad, the association highlighted a range of challenges affecting air traffic controllers, while emphasizing that resolving them would significantly enhance aviation safety and service delivery nationwide.

The association drew attention to ageing Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure, noting that modernising these systems would greatly improve operational reliability and reduce the burden on controllers.

According to NATCA, upgrading critical infrastructure presents an opportunity to align Nigeria’s aviation industry with global best practices.

It also underscored the importance of continuous training and manpower development, describing them as vital investments needed to sustain growth in an increasingly complex aviation environment.

NATCA expressed optimism that with proper planning, Nigeria can build a stronger pipeline of highly skilled controllers to meet rising air traffic demand.

The statement further highlighted welfare-related issues, including delayed claims, outdated professional allowances, and prolonged career stagnation.

Addressing these concerns, the association said, would boost morale, improve efficiency, and reinforce the professionalism that defines air traffic control operations.

Referencing a recent fire incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, NATCA commended the resilience and dedication of controllers who ensured continuity of operations under difficult circumstances, while stressing the need for improved workplace safety standards across control towers.

The association also proposed innovative workforce solutions, including structured post-retirement engagement for experienced controllers, which it said would help bridge manpower gaps and preserve institutional knowledge within the system.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and aviation authorities, NATCA called for sustained engagement and timely reforms to secure the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Industry stakeholders say the development signals a renewed push toward strengthening safety frameworks, with experts noting that proactive reforms could position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.