NATCA’s 54th AGM to Spotlight Human Excellence in Next-Gen Air Traffic Management

The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) is set to host its 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja from 21st to 22nd October 2025, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to airspace safety, human capacity enhancement, and the seamless integration of emerging technologies in air traffic management.

Themed “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management,” the two-day conference will bring together aviation professionals, regulators, policymakers, and international partners to deliberate on how best to prepare Nigeria’s airspace system for the evolving demands of global aviation.

NATCA President, Mr. Edino Amos Ilemona, described the theme as both timely and visionary, stressing that while automation and artificial intelligence are transforming the aviation industry, human expertise remains the ultimate safeguard of flight safety and operational integrity.

“Technology is changing the face of air traffic management, but the human controller remains its beating heart. This AGM is designed to sharpen the skills, awareness, and adaptability of our members as we embrace a more digital and data-driven era,” he said.

According to Ilemona, the AGM will provide a platform for robust engagement among stakeholders to assess Nigeria’s readiness for next-generation systems and explore strategies for sustaining professional excellence within the country’s aviation ecosystem.

He commended the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Ahmed Farouk, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, for their continued support and leadership in advancing aviation safety and promoting a culture of technological innovation.

“Our commitment is unwavering – to build a safer, smarter, and globally competitive airspace for Nigeria. We must never lose sight of the fact that behind every system, every radar screen, and every automated process stands a highly trained professional ensuring safety,” the NATCA President emphasised.

The 54th AGM will attract a diverse array of participants, including representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and international organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA), and the United States Air Traffic Services (ATS).

The event’s programme will include technical paper presentations, expert-led discussions, exhibitions, training workshops, and interactive sessions focusing on best practices in air traffic management and innovation in safety systems.

One of the major highlights will be the presentation of awards recognising individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to air traffic control, safety oversight, and professional excellence.

As the Association marks over five decades of professional service, NATCA’s 54th AGM promises to be a defining moment in shaping the future of Nigerian air navigation services – blending human expertise with cutting-edge technology to ensure that the nation’s skies remain among the safest and most efficiently managed in Africa.