“Firefighters and air traffic controllers are close collaborators. NAFSA and NATCA work closely, as seen in recent joint efforts.”
BY ANTHONY OMOH
The Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) and the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) have rekindled synergy for aviation safety. This renewed collaboration aims to strengthen safety measures in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
During a recent courtesy visit to NATCA’s National Secretariat in Lagos, NAFSA’s National President, Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday, congratulated NATCA’s newly elected President, Comrade Amos Edino. Edino was inaugurated at NATCA’s Annual General Meeting in Kano after a keenly contested election.
Comrade Sunday emphasized the critical partnership between firefighters and air traffic controllers. He stated, “Firefighters and air traffic controllers are close collaborators. NAFSA and NATCA work closely, as seen in recent joint efforts.”
He further highlighted the importance of training and welfare for both groups. “While air traffic controllers receive adequate training, firefighters still face challenges. Controllers are the gatekeepers of safety in the skies, and firefighters are the gatekeepers on the ground,” Sunday added.
Sunday expressed confidence in sustaining the excellent rapport between NAFSA and NATCA. “We believe this relationship will deepen synergy to ensure the safety of the aviation sector. Our jobs are intertwined, and we depend on each other to achieve our safety objectives,” he said.
In his response, NATCA’s President, Comrade Amos Edino, welcomed NAFSA’s visit and pledged continued support. He described the visit as necessary and timely. Edino urged NAFSA to uphold safety standards during emergency responses.
Edino stressed the importance of collaboration between the two groups. “We cannot overemphasize the need for teamwork. Air traffic controllers need firefighters as much as firefighters need controllers. Our jobs are critical, and no one can do it alone,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of collaboration in eliminating professional jealousy. “Collaboration deepens synergy and ensures the safety of the aviation sector, which is our ultimate goal,” Edino added.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together. They vowed to prioritize safety, training, and welfare to achieve their shared objectives.
This renewed partnership between NAFSA and NATCA underscores their dedication to maintaining high safety standards in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
