The NCAA director wins another term as regional executive vice president following confidence vote by member associations in Jordan
Ahmad Abba
Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Ahmad Abba, has secured re-election as Executive Vice President for Africa and the Middle East (EVP-AFM) of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA), extending Nigeria’s presence in the international aviation body’s regional leadership.
Abba’s re-election took place at the 37th IFATCA Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting, held in Amman, Jordan, from October 26 to 30, 2026. His new tenure will run from 2027 to 2029.
First elected to the position in 2024, his return for another term underscores the confidence of IFATCA member associations in his leadership and commitment to promoting the interests of air traffic controllers across Africa and the Middle East.
As EVP-AFM, Abba is expected to work closely with member associations, aviation authorities, international organisations and industry stakeholders to strengthen regional cooperation and advance the development of air navigation services.
His responsibilities will also include promoting safe and efficient air traffic management, supporting the development of a competent aviation workforce, and advancing the professional growth, welfare and wellbeing of air traffic controllers across the region.
Reacting to his re-election, Abba expressed appreciation to the member associations for renewing their confidence in his leadership, pledging to sustain efforts towards strengthening the federation and addressing the professional needs of air traffic controllers.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me to continue serving the Africa and Middle East Region. I remain committed to working with our member associations and regional partners to strengthen IFATCA, support our air traffic controllers, and contribute to a safer, more resilient and sustainable aviation system”, he said.
Abba is a licensed air traffic controller with more than 25 years of experience in the aviation industry. He is also an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-certified instructor, with professional experience spanning air traffic operations, safety, search and rescue, and aviation regulation.
In his current capacity as Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the NCAA, he provides regulatory oversight of aerodrome and airspace standards while contributing to the advancement of Nigeria’s civil aviation sector.
His re-election represents a significant achievement for Nigeria, further highlighting the growing contributions of Nigerian aviation professionals to international aviation leadership, policy development and regional cooperation.
Pearl Ngwama is a prominent Nigerian media professional, an advocate of Nigeria Transport Sector development and Managing Director of JustAlive Communications Ltd, publishers of JustNet News.
She is the convener of the annual Nigeria Transport Summit.
