Air visitors controllers demand restore of air surveillance infrastructure

The National Association of Air Traffic Controllers of Nigeria (NATCA) on Tuesday once more on Tuesday urged the federal authorities to instantly begin the entire restore of the nation’s air visitors communication and surveillance infrastructure.

NATCA has over time warned of the poor state of the infrastructure affirming that it put further strain on its restricted personnel in sustaining protected operations of flights within the airspace.

Speaking on the NATCA fifty fifth Annual General Meeting and Conference in Lagos, its President, Mr. Amos Edino disclosed that approvals and procurement by related authorities had but to translate into improved tools at operational consoles, and referred to as for pressing enhancements in Nigeria’s air visitors communication and surveillance infrastructure.

Edino stated the affiliation had taken its issues to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the National Counterterrorism Centre, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), whereas submitting a memorandum to the National Assembly on aviation funding reform.

The NATCA chief warned failure to hold out a strategic plan to overtake communication and surveillance methods might compel the affiliation to contemplate stronger actions.

He added that greater than 100 newly recruited controllers have been present process coaching on the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, and the Nigerian Air Force Air Traffic Services Training Centre, Kaduna.

He stated NATCA was additionally increasing specialised coaching via partnerships with UnitedATS Cairo, Jordan Asian College in Amman and ATOM in Dubai.

Another 60 controllers are anticipated to obtain Air Traffic Flow Management coaching instantly after the convention.

The affiliation attributed its coaching initiatives to improved skilled capability, noting that Nigeria recorded an Effective Implementation rating of 91.45 per cent throughout ICAO’s Coordinated Validation Mission in April 2026.

On welfare, Edino acknowledged NAMA’s assessment of controllers’ primary salaries and aeromedical allowances however referred to as for the implementation of the English Language Proficiency allowance and a assessment of the score allowance.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, stated the federal authorities has authorized a complete overhaul of the nation’s radar system.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari stated the issues raised by the air visitors controller might be addressed.

He referred to as for dialogue on resolving points slightly than resort to withdrawal of companies.