Nigeria Shines on Global Aviation Stage as Three NATCA Representatives Elected into IFATCA Committees
Nigeria has recorded a significant triumph on the international aviation stage with the election of three representatives of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) into key standing committees of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA).
The development took place during the 64th IFATCA Annual Conference held from 28th April to 2nd May 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The elected representatives secured positions in three influential IFATCA committees—namely the Constitution and Administration Committee (CAC), the Professional and Legal Committee (PLC), and the Technical and Operations Committee (TOC).
Leading the Nigerian delegation, Ahmad Abba, who is the Executive Vice President (EVP) of IFATCA for the Africa and Middle East (AFM) region and also Director of Special Duties at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), described the development as a resounding endorsement of Nigeria’s growing stature in the global aviation community.
“This triple-election not only reinforces Nigeria’s credibility in international aviation circles but also reflects the renewed confidence in Nigerian professionals to contribute meaningfully to global regulatory and operational frameworks,” Abba said.
In addition to committee elections, Nigerian NATCA members also earned placements on several IFATCA taskforces that are actively shaping policy reforms and driving safety initiatives across the federation.
Described by participants as a “conference of milestones,” the 2025 edition further strengthened regional cohesion under the leadership of Ahmad Abba. A landmark achievement for the AFM region was the formal admission of Chad and Congo Brazzaville into IFATCA, expanding the federation’s reach within Central Africa.
Another pivotal moment was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IFATCA and FACAA (Fédération des Associations des Contrôleurs Aériens de l’ASECNA), marking a new era of regional technical cooperation in air traffic control.
Ahmad Abba highlighted that these achievements align closely with the five-point aviation agenda of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON.
“By amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the global stage and expanding its technical influence through IFATCA’s governance structures, NATCA’s engagement directly supports the Minister’s vision of transforming Nigeria into an aviation hub with globally competitive standards,” he noted.
A major highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the IFATCA AFM Strategic Plan for 2025–2027 by Abba himself. The forward-looking plan aims to enhance professional development, institutional capacity, and aviation safety across the region.
Its strategic objectives include elevating training, fostering regional collaboration, and strengthening Member Associations while aligning with international best practices.
Nigeria, through NATCA, stood out as one of the most active participants at the conference, engaging in critical committee deliberations and policy sessions that underscored the nation’s technical expertise and commitment to aviation excellence.
The five-day conference brought together air traffic control professionals and experts from around the world, serving as a global platform for dialogue, cooperation, and innovation.
Within this setting, the Africa and Middle East region—particularly Nigeria—emerged as a key player in shaping IFATCA’s direction and priorities.
Delegates paid tribute to the commitment and professionalism of AFM Member Associations and volunteers whose contributions to IFATCA’s taskforces exemplify the unity and collaborative spirit of the region.
As delegates return to their respective countries, African participants expressed renewed determination to build on the momentum gained in Abu Dhabi, with Nigeria seen as a torchbearer for regional progress.
Looking ahead, the next IFATCA regional meeting is scheduled to take place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in November 2025.
In a further boost to the continent, Uganda has been announced as host of the 2027 IFATCA Annual Conference, marking the return of the prestigious global event to African soil after nearly a decade.
