Prioritise Air Traffic Management, CNS Infrastructure in Nigeria – NATCA Urges FG
The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the deteriorating state of Air Traffic Management and Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (ATM/CNS) infrastructure in Nigeria, warning that the system is near collapse and virtually nonexistent.
In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Kano, NATCA stressed the urgent need for the government to safeguard the resources and staffing decisions of Air Traffic Control (ATC) from political interference.
The communiqué was signed by NATCA President, Amos Edino, and Secretary, Fahad Muhammed Umar.
NATCA emphasised that the state of ATM/CNS infrastructure poses a serious risk to the safety and efficiency of air navigation in Nigeria.
It called for immediate government intervention to close the gap in the availability of critical infrastructure, including the procurement, installation, maintenance, and upgrade of a modern radar system and a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) in line with international best practices.
This, the association noted, would enable a seamless transition to Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS) and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of air traffic services.
The association also called for the exemption of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) from the 50% statutory revenue deduction from the source, arguing that this policy significantly hampers the agency’s financial strength and limits its ability to make critical decisions regarding the development and maintenance of CNS infrastructure and manpower training.
Highlighting the demanding nature of the air traffic control profession, NATCA described it as one of the most complex and stressful jobs in the world due to its multitasking requirements.
It therefore urged the government to modernise air traffic control training to incorporate real-life simulations, enhance knowledge, develop skills, and boost controllers’ confidence in handling complex scenarios.
NATCA further decried the poor remuneration and welfare of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers, stating that their salaries and benefits remain among the lowest in the region and globally.
It called on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and NAMA, to urgently review and adjust the salaries and emoluments of ATCOs in line with prevailing economic realities and international standards.
Additionally, the association urged the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and Air Navigational Service Providers to align ATC training programmes with modern trends and technological advancements to enhance capacity, specialisation, and professional excellence.
It pledged to collaborate with NCAT and NAMA to improve the frequency and quality of training through strategic planning and synergy.
NATCA also resolved to work with NAMA to address outstanding issues related to the ATC scheme of service and accelerate its implementation.
It stressed the importance of shielding the Air Navigational Service Provider (ANSP) from political interference, particularly in areas of funding, resource management, and recruitment, to ensure greater efficiency and productivity.
Furthermore, NATCA called for the immediate implementation of the reviewed fees, fines, and charges for services provided by NAMA, arguing that this would enhance the agency’s financial capacity and enable it to deliver more effective air traffic management services.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the safety, efficiency, and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s air traffic management system.
