The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has warned of a critical shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) in the country, stressing the urgent need for recruitment and training.
Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, NATCA President, Mr. Amos Edino, highlighted the excessive workloads, extended duty hours, and rising stress levels among ATCOs, which are affecting performance and overall well-being. Due to manpower constraints, some controllers are forced to work beyond the standard two-hour shift, enduring continuous shifts of four to five hours.
Edino also pointed out that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, which is responsible for training ATCOs, is struggling with capacity limitations. He urged the government to revise the salary structure to align with international standards and address occupational health risks by implementing a comprehensive healthcare package.
Additionally, he raised concerns about poor working conditions in control towers, citing non-functional elevators that force controllers to climb over 250 steps daily to reach their workstations.
On Air Traffic Management (ATM), Edino emphasized the need to upgrade the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, stating that it has exceeded its 10-year operational lifespan and is now nearly 20 years old, compromising its reliability, availability, and integrity. He urged the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to resolve these challenges to ensure that Nigeria’s ATC system remains globally competitive.
