Airline Operators Raise Alarm Over Shortage of Air Traffic Controllers

• The Airline Operators of Nigeria raised concerns over a shortage of Air Traffic Controllers, warning it poses significant safety risks in aviation
• AON President Abdulmumeen Sarina urged the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to recruit more ATCs to enhance operational efficiency and safety

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have expressed serious concerns about the shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) in the aviation sector, warning that the situation poses significant safety risks.

Speaking at the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) in Kano, AON President and Azman Group Chairman, Alhaji Abdulmumeen Yunusa Sarina, highlighted the pressing need for more trained ATCs to manage the nation’s airspace effectively.

Themed “Sustainability of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Aviation: The Imperative of Manpower Development and Efficient Air Navigation Services,” the two-day event also included the election of new executives for NATCA.

Sarina emphasized the need for improved manpower and a shift towards satellite-based navigation systems to minimize flight delays.

“It’s critical to have enough trained Air Traffic Controllers manning installations nationwide. Overworking ATCs with long hours and irregular shifts can impair their performance, risking safety.

Human factors in aviation account for nearly 50% of major accidents, often stemming from adverse working conditions,” he said.

The AON president urged the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to recruit more ATCs to address the acute shortage, improve safety, and enhance operational efficiency.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo, commended the dedication of ATCs despite the challenges they face.

Represented by Deputy Director Olusola Oyekunle, the minister described ATCs as the “unsung heroes” of aviation and acknowledged their professionalism under pressure.

Outgoing NATCA President Comrade Abayomi Agoro recapped his tenure’s achievements, including recruiting 200 ATC cadets.

However, he appealed to the federal government to review the policy of deducting 50% of NAMA’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which he said hampers operational capacity.

The call for more ATCs underscores the need for sustained investment in manpower development to ensure the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s aviation industry.