On Tuesday, the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) issued a stark warning to the federal government that the country’s aviation communication and surveillance infrastructure has not improved, despite announced approvals and procurement milestones. The statement was made during the 55th Annual General Meeting of NATCA, held in Lagos under the theme “Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Nigerian Air Traffic Management.”
Edino Amos, president of NATCA, said the year had been “difficult” for air traffic controllers (ATCOs) across Nigeria and that “there has been no significant improvement in our communication and surveillance infrastructure.” He added that the association had sought a high‑level presentation of its concerns to the Minister, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), yet no upgrade has materialised.
“NATCA has sought a high‑level presentation of its position to the Minister, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Management of NAMA. The association has also submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly on aviation funding reform, in which we make the case that safety‑critical infrastructure requires predictable and ring‑fenced funding,” Amos said.
Amos warned that the lack of progress was pushing NATCA to consider withdrawing its services if a clear strategic plan for a total overhaul of communication and surveillance infrastructure is not presented. He argued that significant attention to these areas would improve airspace safety, reduce economic waste, attract more airlines, strengthen national security and enhance Nigeria’s global rating.
On welfare matters, Amos highlighted that ATCOs are barely able to make ends meet at the current exchange rate. He thanked NAMA for reviewing basic salaries but noted that inflation has eroded the value of that review. NATCA has therefore engaged management on the review of the ATC Aeromedical Allowance and the Rating Allowance, and is awaiting the commencement of the English Language Proficiency Allowance.
Amos also called on the Minister to address the situation of senior ATCOs who have remained on one level for up to 14 years without promotion, and to consider extending service for experienced controllers until age 65. He urged the government to correct errors in engagement contracts and to implement equitable remuneration to retain the expertise that has taken years to build.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
