BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently modernise the country’s air traffic management infrastructure, warning that outdated communication and surveillance equipment could undermine aviation safety and efficiency.
The association said Nigeria needed a comprehensive upgrade of the facilities used to monitor aircraft and coordinate flight movements, stressing that the country’s growing aviation needs could no longer be supported by ageing technology.
NATCA President, Comrade Edino Ilemona Amos, made the call at the association’s 55th Annual General Meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, lamenting that repeated engagements with government and aviation authorities had yet to produce significant improvements.
He said the association had presented its concerns to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
It had also submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly, seeking reforms in aviation funding to ensure that critical safety equipment received regular and dedicated financial support.
Amos said modern communication and surveillance systems would improve the safety of aircraft operations, reduce airlines’ operating costs, attract more carriers to Nigerian airspace, increase government revenue and strengthen national security.
He warned that the continued delay in upgrading the facilities was becoming increasingly frustrating for professionals responsible for ensuring the safe movement of aircraft across the country.
He said: “It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I state that this frustrating engagement is pushing the Association towards considering the withdrawal of our services, should there be no clear strategic plan for the total overhaul of communication and surveillance infrastructure in Nigeria.”
On workers’ welfare, Amos said rising inflation had eroded the gains of the recent salary review for air traffic controllers, making it increasingly difficult for many to meet their financial obligations.
He disclosed that NATCA was engaging NAMA management on a review of the Air Traffic Control Aeromedical Allowance and Rating Allowance, which he described as overdue.
While appreciating the correction of the Post-Licence Allowance, he urged management to commence payment of the English Language Proficiency Allowance.
He also called for experienced air traffic controllers to remain in service until age 65, arguing that their professional knowledge and years of experience would be difficult to replace.
Where an extension of service was not possible, he proposed that retired controllers be re-engaged under improved remuneration arrangements.
Amos further appealed to the aviation minister to address the plight of senior controllers who had remained on the same salary grade for up to 14 years without promotion.
On manpower development, he disclosed that more than 100 new air traffic controllers were undergoing training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, and the Nigerian Air Force Air Traffic Services Training Centre.
Some of the trainees, he said, had completed their training and practical experience and obtained licences to join the profession.
The association has also partnered United ATS, Cairo, to improve professional capacity, with about 60 Nigerian controllers receiving Fatigue Risk Management training in 2025.
According to Amos, the training contributed to Nigeria’s performance during the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Coordinated Validation Mission in April 2026, when the country recorded an Effective Implementation score of 91.45 per cent.
Another 60 controllers are expected to receive Air Traffic Flow Management training during this year’s AGM in Lagos.
He added that NATCA was working towards securing certification as an Approved Training Organisation to enable it to contribute directly to the training and development of aviation professionals.
Meanwhile, the association has completed and commissioned its secretariat and guest house in Port Harcourt after about 29 years of construction.
Amos said the facility, completed in less than six months under the association’s current strategic plan, would provide accommodation for air traffic controllers and other airport workers.
The building could also serve as a training centre as NATCA pursues its ambition of becoming an approved training organisation.
The association plans to establish similar facilities at four other major airports and NCAT, Zaria.
Amos also announced improved Nigerian representation in the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA), congratulating Ahmad Abba on his re-election as Executive Vice President for the Africa and Middle East Region and Shettima Babazau on his election as Regional Vice President for West Africa.
He called for stronger cooperation among aviation agencies, regulators, air traffic controllers, engineers and government institutions, saying the safety and efficiency of Nigerian airspace depended on their ability to work together.
The AGM was themed, “Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Nigerian Air Traffic Management”.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
