Aviation Professionals Gather in Lagos to Address Safety Concerns, Advocate Action

L:R: Chairman, ATC-Pilot Steering Committee, Mr. Ahmad Abba; Director Aerodrome Airspace Standards, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Godwin Balang; Representative of Minister of A&AD Director, Special Duties, FAAN, Mr. Henry Agbebire; Director, Air Traffic Services, Nigerian Air Management Authority (NAMA), Mr. Tayo John and Acting Head of Operation NSIB,  the ATC-pilot Forum in Lagos.

…NAMA Boosts Medical Allowance by 300%, Hires 203 ATCs

The Nigerian aviation industry is prioritizing safety through collaboration and technological advancements.

At the 3rd Pilot-Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) Forum in Lagos with the theme: ‘Building Safety Capabilities for the Future’ key players were brought together to discuss safety challenges and solutions.

The forum, a gathering of aviation professionals, served as a platform to discuss and recommend measures for enhancing flight safety, tackling challenges, and fostering collaboration within the industry.

The interactive session highlighted issues such as manpower shortages, inadequate training, and outdated navigation aids as hindrances to optimal operations.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, emphasized the importance of continuous training, technology investment, and collaboration in maintaining a safe airspace.

The Minister, represented by FAAN’s Director of Special Duties, Mr.Henry Agbebire, urged collaborative efforts to identify innovative solutions for present and future safety challenges.

“Together, we can create a safer and more resilient aviation industry that inspires confidence and trust among passengers and stakeholders alike”.

Chairman of the ATC-pilot forum steering Committee, Mr. Ahmad Abba highlighted constraints faced by pilots and ATCs, citing factors like manpower shortage, inadequate training, and unserviceable navigation aids

The recurring perennial challenge of poor VHF communication in Nigeria’s upper airspace;  non availability of functional simulators for procedural training of ATCOs at training stations; increase in ASRs, TCAS RA’s, bird strikes and runway incursions/excursions; etc.”

President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) Mr. Yomi Agoro expressed concerns about the limited training provided to air traffic controllers, stressing the importance of adapting to emerging technologies.

Represented by his Vice, Mr. Ahmed Bello, Mr. Agoro raised alarm over a 50% deduction from the Airspace Agency’s IGR, warning of potential dangers to air safety. 

“As an agency of government, NAMA and the other aviation agencies are continuously handicapped to undertake implementation of critical and time-constrained programmes or projects because of the government policy on the deduction of 50% at source of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of this sector”.

Managing Director, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, Ahmed Farouk, represented by the Director, Air Traffic Services Mr John Tayo, addressed the manpower shortage by announcing the employment of 203 air traffic controllers and a 300% increase in medical allowances for ATCs.