The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) has threatened to withdraw services unless the government presents a clear strategic plan to overhaul the country’s ageing air traffic communication and surveillance infrastructure.
NATCA’s President, Comrade Amos Edino, made this known at the association’s 55th Annual General Meeting and Conference on Tuesday in Lagos.
The conference had the theme, “Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Nigerian Air Traffic Management”.
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Edino expressed concern that in spite of several engagements with relevant authorities and announced procurement milestones, there had been no significant improvement in the communication and surveillance equipment.
He said the situation was particularly worrisome because controllers continued to manage the nation’s airspace with equipment that required urgent attention.
“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,” he said.
The NATCA president, however, emphasised that the call was not intended as a threat but reflected the association’s concern about the safety and efficiency of air navigation services.
“Honourable Minister, we make this call not as a threat, but as patriots who sit daily before screens and failing frequencies to keep this country safe,” he said.
Edino explained that improved communication and surveillance infrastructure would enhance airspace safety, strengthen national security, reduce operational costs for airlines, attract more carriers and improve Nigeria’s global aviation rating.
He said the association had presented its concerns to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Office of the National Security Adviser and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA).
He added that NATCA had also submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly advocating aviation funding reforms, particularly predictable and ring-fenced funding for safety-critical infrastructure.
Edino identified manpower development as a major priority of the association’s strategic plan.
He said more than 100 air traffic controllers were undergoing training at NCAT, Zaria, and the Nigerian Air Force Air Traffic Services Training Centre.
He also disclosed that NATCA had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United ATS, Cairo, for specialised training, adding that about 60 controllers had received Fatigue Risk Management training in 2025.
According to him, the training contributed to Nigeria’s performance at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Coordinated Validation Mission in April 2026, where Nigeria recorded an Effective Implementation score of 91.45 per cent.
He said another 60 controllers would receive Air Traffic Flow Management training during the conference, while discussions were ongoing with other international training institutions.
The NATCA president further called for improved remuneration, a review of aeromedical and rating allowances, and the retention of experienced controllers beyond the existing retirement age of 60.
He said the association had completed and commissioned its secretariat and guest house in Port Harcourt after about 29 years of construction, adding that similar facilities were planned for four major airports and NCAT, Zaria.
He also emphasised the importance of human factors, professional competence, medical fitness and conducive working conditions in ensuring safe air traffic operations.
Responding to the concerns, the Managing Director of NAMA, Mr Ahmed Farouk, said the agency was pursuing several initiatives to modernise Nigeria’s air traffic management infrastructure.
Farouk, represented by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr Tayo John, said NAMA had acquired Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment to strengthen surveillance capabilities and improve situational awareness.
He said the agency was also pursuing a comprehensive overhaul of its radar systems to establish a more reliable and technologically advanced surveillance network.
According to him, NAMA is engaging the Agency for the Safety of Air Navigation in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) for technical assistance to address persistent challenges affecting its communication equipment.
Farouk also announced that the first batch of NAMA personnel had commenced an overseas training programme designed to expose officers to international best practices and emerging developments in air traffic management.
On staff welfare, he said management had implemented the Post-Licence Allowance to replace the existing Post-Ratings Allowance arrangement.
He added that a new medical allowance rate for licensed air traffic controllers had been approved to take effect in January 2027.
The review of the agency’s Conditions of Service, he said, was at an advanced stage, with proposed improvements including payment for English Language Proficiency.
He also disclosed that comprehensive insurance coverage had been approved for all NAMA employees.
On his part, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving aviation infrastructure, staff welfare and institutional collaboration.
Keyamo was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Mahmud Kambari.
He said the ministry had approved the overhaul of the national radar system, while NAMA’s deployment of ADS-B technology would provide an interim surveillance backup.
Keyamo also disclosed that factory assessment tests had been conducted in Norway for new Very High Frequency (VHF) radios and voice communication systems intended for 14 NAMA operational sites.
On welfare, the minister acknowledged concerns over the prolonged stagnation of experienced air traffic controllers on Grade Level 16, with some reportedly remaining on the level for more than 14 years.
He assured the association of continued engagement on career progression, professional allowances and improved conditions of service.
Keyamo also stressed the importance of collaboration among aviation agencies, noting that effective air traffic management required coordinated efforts by NAMA, among others.
Participants were urged to promote a strong safety-reporting culture in which operational hazards and concerns could be raised and addressed without fear of blame.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that new air traffic controllers were inducted.
The conference is expected to strengthen engagement among aviation agencies, management and air traffic controllers on practical solutions to infrastructure, manpower and welfare challenges confronting the sector.
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