Air Traffic Controllers flag safety threats, seek urgent govt intervention

2026-03-23 - 13:54

By Dickson Omobola National Air Traffic Controllers Association, NATCA, has urged government to urgently address safety concerns that could have an impact on the country’s airspace, saying obsolete equipment, low morale and excessive workload are putting operations under strain. NATCA said these systemic failures have moved beyond administrative concerns to become active threats to aviation safety and place physical and mental strain on the workforce. President of NATCA, Edino Amos, said this at the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations, IFATCA, and the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Africa Joint Workshop held in Lagos. According to him, most traffic controllers face operational, physical and mental strain that should be looked into. He, however, expressed optimism that the workshop would empower traffic controllers to engage stakeholders effectively on issues of concern. He said: “Nigeria’s air traffic controllers are at a breaking point, overwhelmed by systemic challenges threatening aviation safety, urgent government intervention is needed to address crippling issues; obsolete equipment, low morale, excessive workload and the operational, physical and mental strain on our members. “Our members are at a breaking point. Without immediate corrective measures, air traffic management efficiency and safety could be undermined. “We hope this training galvanizes our ability to present operational challenges to management and government. It is a golden opportunity for the profession to elevate air traffic management standards in Nigeria.” Meanwhile, IFATCA Executive Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Mr Ahmad Abba, said effective industrial relations are the backbone of aviation safety. Abba added that as global air traffic demand becomes more complex, the industry can no longer afford poor communication between regulators and staff. He also said while industrial action is a legitimate labour right, members of NATCA must treat it as a last resort to safeguard public confidence and the continuity of air navigation services.