Senate okays NAMA Bill 2022 as Buhari transmits letter to Reps

Senate has passed the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Bill 2022. The passage was sequel to consideration of a report by its Committee on Aviation.

Panel chairman, Senator Smart Adeyemi (APC: Kogi West), in his presentation, said the bill seeks to repeal the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Act 2010 to provide effective air navigation services in Nigeria.

He said the legislation is one of six aviation executive bills referred to the committee because of their importance to regulation, training, management and safety of the industry.

“The issues that surround the bill are significant in ensuring safe air travels and are part of efforts at enhancing the health and profitability of the overarching aviation sector and public benefit,” he said.

Adeyemi observed that the Act establishing NAMA came into effect on May 26, 1999, and has been in operation for 22 years.

He said the amendments are to align the agency with new operational requirements in the industry, as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

THIS came as President Muhammadu Buhari transmitted a letter to the House of Representatives, asking lawmakers to consider and pass the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Bill.

He also asked the green chamber to pass the Whistleblower Bill and the Witness Protection Bill pending before the parliament.

The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, read the letter during plenary. Buhari said that when the bills are passed into law, they would strengthen the nation’s efforts in fighting corruption.