The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has demonstrated a commendable commitment to ethical conduct and integrity, achieving a 76.5% compliance score in the 2024 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) conducted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This score signifies “substantial compliance” with the EICS, placing NAMA among the federal agencies upholding high ethical standards. The ICPC’s assessment, communicated through a post-deployment letter dated February 6, 2025, analyzed NAMA’s documentation and practices, confirming its dedication to transparency and accountability. The agency’s achievement reinforces the effectiveness of its internal control mechanisms and its commitment to operating within established financial regulations. This positive evaluation not only highlights NAMA’s internal integrity but also contributes to building public trust in the agency’s operations.
NAMA’s Managing Director, Umar Ahmed Farouk, expressed his appreciation for the ICPC’s recognition and reiterated the agency’s dedication to ethical practices. He emphasized NAMA’s adherence to professional standards and its commitment to transparency across all processes. Underscoring the paramount importance of safety in air navigation services, Farouk stated NAMA’s unwavering zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. This commitment to integrity aligns with international best practices and contributes to the agency’s overall goal of providing safe and efficient airspace management. The high compliance score serves as a testament to the collective effort within NAMA to maintain ethical standards and build a culture of integrity.
The 76.5% compliance score serves as a benchmark for NAMA’s continuous improvement in ethical conduct. The agency aims to further strengthen its integrity rating and align its operations with global best practices, including the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). These standards provide a comprehensive framework for aviation safety, security, and efficiency, and NAMA’s commitment to aligning with them demonstrates its dedication to providing world-class airspace management services. By adhering to these international standards, NAMA not only enhances its own operational effectiveness but also contributes to the overall safety and reliability of global air travel.
The ICPC’s EICS, launched in 2019, plays a crucial role in promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability within public institutions. The Scorecard provides an annual evaluation of compliance with financial regulations and the effectiveness of service delivery, enabling agencies to identify areas for improvement and strengthen their commitment to ethical conduct. This proactive approach to promoting ethical standards within the public sector fosters a culture of accountability and contributes to building public trust in government institutions. The EICS serves as a valuable tool for driving continuous improvement in governance and promoting a more transparent and accountable public sector.
NAMA’s achievement in the 2024 EICS underscores the agency’s dedication to maintaining the highest levels of integrity in its operations. The 76.5% compliance score signifies not only adherence to financial regulations but also a commitment to upholding ethical standards in all aspects of its operations. This commitment extends to all staff members, creating a culture of integrity that permeates the entire organization. NAMA’s success in achieving this high compliance rating serves as an example for other public institutions striving to improve their ethical conduct and build public trust.
Going forward, NAMA aims to consolidate its gains and further strengthen its compliance and accountability measures. The agency recognizes that maintaining high ethical standards is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and improvement. NAMA plans to implement additional measures to reinforce its commitment to ethical conduct and ensure that its operations remain aligned with the highest standards of integrity. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior, NAMA aims to continue providing efficient and reliable airspace management services while serving as a model of integrity for other public institutions. This commitment to continuous improvement will further strengthen public trust and confidence in NAMA’s ability to fulfill its mandate effectively and ethically.