Ahmad Abba

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

Ahmad Abba, the director in charge of special duties at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has emerged the new executive vice president for Africa and Middle East region of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Associations (IFATCA) at the 63rd annual conference of the global air traffic controllers body in Singapore.

Before his election into the new position, the Borno state born alumna of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, was the regional vice president for IFATCA in the Western sub-region.

Speaking to journalists on his victory at the poll, Abba, an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) certified instructor and auditor said his election is an affirmation of the confidence the global body has in Nigeria, affirming that the country and especially the air traffic controllers will benefit immensely from it.

The air transport management specialist and search and rescue expert commended the minister of aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the managing director of NAMA, Farouk Ahmed and the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) for the role they played in ensuring that Nigeria is recognise on the global body of ATCs.

Speaking of his vision for the African and Middle East region of the association, the air navigation services regulator and air transport service incident and accident investigator said: “I will be dedicated to enhancing formal partnerships and collaborations with regional representatives of organisations such as ICAO, Civil Air Navigation Services Organisations and other relevant bodies”

He added that “my team and I will advocate for increasing the presence of women in leadership positions among ATCs in our region. Through the mentorship programme, we will connect experienced women air traffic controllers with aspiring professionals, providing guidance, support, and avenues for career growth.

“My goal is to enable air traffic controllers to fully leverage these opportunities for continuous growth and skill development. A well trained and up to date air traffic controller is the cornerstone of a safe and efficient airspace,” he said.

Meanwhile, congratulatory messages have continued to pour in over the NAMA director’s election at IFATCA.

President, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), ambassador E.O Okafor and the National Executive Committee of the body congratulated Abba on what they described as a well-deserved election.

In an electronic document made available to journalists, the association said “AANI joyously extends its heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed Alhaji Ahmad Abba mni FCPA, an exemplary luminary in our ranks, on his momentous election as the executive vice president for the Africa and Middle East region of the IFATCA,” it stated.