Nigeria’s air traffic control system is facing a critical crisis as a severe shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) threatens the safety and efficiency of the country’s aviation sector. The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has raised the alarm, warning that immediate recruitment and training are needed to prevent further decline.
Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, NATCA President Amos Edino painted a grim picture of the situation. He revealed that due to manpower shortages, controllers are being forced to work beyond the standard two-hour shifts, often enduring four to five hours of continuous duty. This excessive workload is taking a toll on their performance, well-being, and overall safety in airspace management.
Adding to the crisis, Edino highlighted that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, responsible for training new ATCOs, is struggling with capacity issues, further limiting the pipeline of new professionals.
Beyond staffing shortages, the association pointed out dire working conditions, including non-functional elevators in control towers, forcing controllers to climb over 250 steps daily just to reach their workstations. Edino also urged the government to revise the salary structure to align with international best practices and implement a robust healthcare package to address occupational health risks.
Perhaps the most alarming revelation was the state of Nigeria’s Total Radar Coverage (TRACON) system. Designed for a 10-year lifespan, it is now approaching 20 years of operation, raising concerns about reliability, availability, and integrity.
“This is a defining moment for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA),” Edino stated. “If these challenges are addressed, Nigeria’s air traffic control system could rank among the best globally. But failure to act could put the entire system at risk.”
With aviation safety hanging in the balance, industry stakeholders are now looking to the government for urgent intervention to secure Nigeria’s airspace before it’s too late.
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