BY ANTHONY OMOH

The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association has urged the government to extend the retirement age for Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) and improve working conditions. NATCA President, Mr. Amos Edino, raised these concerns during an interview at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. He highlighted the urgent need for recruitment, training, and better welfare for controllers.

Edino criticized the practice of rehiring retired ATCOs on contract, calling it a short-term fix. He proposed extending the retirement age from 60 to 65 years to retain experienced personnel and ensure knowledge transfer. “Pilots work until 65; ATCOs should have the same opportunity,” he stated.

Additionally, he called for a better retirement package to discourage post-retirement contracts. “A robust plan will reduce contract work and allow young talent to enter the profession,” he explained.

Edino stressed the severe shortage of ATCOs, which forces them to work excessive hours, increasing stress and safety risks. He revealed that some controllers work four to five hours straight, exceeding the two-hour shift limit. This, he warned, affects performance and airspace safety.

He also criticized the rapid development of new airports without adequate staffing plans. Furthermore, he pointed out that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria lacks the capacity to train enough ATCOs due to limited facilities and instructors. Although the government recruited over 200 cadets, Edino noted flaws in the selection process.

Commending the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) under Managing Director Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, he praised its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force ATS Training School in Kaduna to boost training. “This is a step in the right direction,” he said.

Edino urged a salary review for ATCOs, noting they are the lowest-paid controllers in Africa despite their critical role. He called for salaries aligned with international standards to boost motivation and retention.

He also highlighted health risks, including radiation exposure in radar facilities, leading to cancer cases among ATCOs. Poor working conditions, such as non-functional control tower elevators, force controllers—including pregnant women—to climb over 250 steps daily. He linked these conditions to miscarriages among female ATCOs.

The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association called for an urgent upgrade of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, which is nearly 20 years old. “Its reliability has declined, requiring modernization for improved coordination with other ATC units,” he stated.

Despite these challenges, Edino expressed optimism about NAMA’s leadership. He commended Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk’s commitment to reforms and NATCA’s readiness to collaborate for a safer, more efficient system. “Solving these issues will secure Nigeria’s ATC system among the best globally,” he concluded.