Nosa Aituamen
The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the deplorable state of air traffic management and communication infrastructure in Nigeria.
The association’s president and secretary, Amos Edino and Fahad Muhammed Umar, made the call at the 53rd Annual General Meeting in Kano, highlighting the urgent need for modernization and investment in critical infrastructure.
NATCA stressed that the current state of affairs is unsustainable and poses a significant threat to air safety and efficiency.
The association called for the government to safeguard air traffic control resources and staffing decisions from political interference and to synergize training programs with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology and Air Navigational Service Providers.
The body also urged the government to review the welfare of Nigerian air traffic controllers, including their remuneration and benefits, which are amongst the poorest in the region and the world.
They also called for funding for air traffic control infrastructure, including the procurement, installation, and maintenance of modern radar systems and the provision of Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) in line with international best practices.
The association also urged the government to exempt the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency from 50% statutory deductions of revenue from source, which hinders critical decision-making and erodes financial strength.
They also called for the immediate implementation of reviewed fees, fines, and charges for services provided by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and the review of salaries and emoluments of air traffic controllers to meet international best practices.