CHUKS OKOH,
The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA), has called on the Federal Government to provide special intervention funding for a comprehensive upgrade of the nation’s Communication, Navigation, Surveillance, and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the National Executive Council and Air Traffic Controllers nationwide, President Amos Edino highlighted the association’s pride in contributing to national development and recognized the historical progress achieved within the aviation sector over the years.
Central to the demands presented by President Edino is the complete modernization of Nigeria’s air navigation Backbone stressing that robust communication, navigation, and surveillance systems are fundamental to safe air traffic operations and must be treated as safety-critical national infrastructure.
Furthermore, he urged for accelerated investment in a modern, reliable, and comprehensive surveillance radar coverage system capable of supporting both current and future flight traffic requirements, warning that safety interventions in the aviation industry must remain proactive rather than reactive.
Beyond equipment upgrades, President Edino expressed deep concern on behalf of the association over persistent human resources challenges, including career stagnation, manpower shortages, and inadequate welfare affecting Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs). He revealed that several senior controllers have been stuck on the same grade level for over a decade, a situation that severely dampens morale in a high-stress profession requiring continuous concentration, sound judgment, and extreme responsibility.
He noted that younger controllers are similarly facing setbacks due to chronic delays in training, licensing, rating, and promotion caused by funding bottlenecks and limited institutional capacity.
Edino, noted that these compounding issues have fueled a brain drain, with skilled professionals leaving for foreign jurisdictions or alternative organizations and placing further strain on the remaining workforce.
To solve these systemic issues, NATCA’s leader urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the government to establish a sustainable framework that addresses controller training, manpower deficits, career progression, professional development, and general welfare as core components of national aviation safety. through an official independence address issued by its President, Comrade Edino Ilemona Amos, has extended warm congratulations to the Federal Government and the citizens of Nigeria on the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
However, he emphasized that as Nigeria marks this significant milestone, pressing challenges within Air Traffic Management require urgent, sustained, and decisive intervention to ensure the sky remains safe and efficient.
Focusing on safety as an uncompromisable mandate, Comrade Edino acknowledged the Federal Government’s current aviation priorities, which encompass safety, infrastructure development, human-capacity building, domestic aviation support, and improved revenue generation.
The NATCA President stressed that these key objectives must be backed by consistent financial investment in both technical infrastructure and the air traffic professionals responsible for safeguarding the nation’s airspace.
Despite these ongoing operational hurdles, President Edino reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers to discharge their duties with professional excellence, working around the clock to maintain the safety and integrity of the country’s airspace.
Concluding his message, Comrade Edino maintained that at 66, Nigeria has a vital opportunity to build a futuristic aviation system through deliberate investments in modern navigation infrastructure and human capital.
