The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency says it is strengthening support for Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel, ATSEPs, describing them as the silent force behind the safety of Nigeria’s airspace.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers, NAAE, the Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, represented by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr. Tayo John, praised the resilience and professionalism of engineers who maintain the country’s critical communication, navigation and surveillance systems.
He said every radar sweep and communication link depends on the precision of ATSEPs, adding that NAMA’s ongoing modernization, from system upgrades to automation relies heavily on their expertise.
Mr. Ahmed assured that the agency will continue to invest in training, welfare and modern tools to strengthen system reliability and drive innovation.
President of NAAE, Mr. Selzing Miri, also reviewed the year, noting that despite challenges, significant progress was achieved.
He said the theme of the AGM, “Safety, Efficiency and Innovation: The Triple Mandate of the Air Traffic Engineers”, is a reminder that ATSEPs must uphold the values that keep Nigeria’s air traffic management systems safe.
Mr. Miri commended members nationwide for their often-unseen work that forms the backbone of aviation safety.
The Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, represented by the General Manager, Safety, Ifeoma Mba, reaffirmed FAAN’s readiness to deepen collaboration with air traffic engineers.
She said while passengers see the physical side of airport operations, engineers sustain the complex systems behind the scenes.
The MD FAAN urged the association to embrace emerging technologies such as AI-driven maintenance, Remote Towers and space-based surveillance, stressing that Nigeria must not lag behind global aviation trends.
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau also pledged closer collaboration.
The Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., represented by the Lagos Regional Manager, Moses Egidi, emphasized that the aviation ecosystem can only function safely when stakeholders share data, strengthen reporting culture and promote continuous professional development.
He described the work of engineers as highly technical and vital to national safety, urging them to maintain the highest ethical standards, embrace innovation and continue championing a strong safety culture.
Together, the agencies say they remain committed to building a safer, more efficient and innovation-driven aviation industry for Nigeria.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen