Nigeria’s air traffic controllers have warned of possible industrial action over failing air traffic communication and surveillance infrastructure. However, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) says it is pursuing equipment modernisation, international technical support and improved staff welfare.
The opposing positions emerged at the 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA), themed Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Nigerian Air Traffic Management. While controllers demanded urgent improvements to operational infrastructure such as air traffic communication and surveillance infrastructure, NAMA outlined several interventions aimed at addressing the challenges.
National President of NATCA, Amos Edino, warned that the association could consider stronger measures if authorities failed to address persistent equipment deficiencies. He said procurement approvals had yet to translate into meaningful improvements for controllers.
NATCA disclosed that it had escalated its concerns to the Minister, National Counterterrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser and NAMA management. It also submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly advocating predictable and ring-fenced funding for safety-critical aviation infrastructure.
Air Traffic Communication Failures Raise Safety Concerns
Edino said the association acknowledged government approvals and procurement milestones. However, he insisted that controllers were yet to experience corresponding improvements in their operational equipment.
“In our communication and surveillance infrastructure, we acknowledge the approvals and procurement milestones that have been announced. However, these are yet to translate into a material improvement in the equipment available to controllers,” he said.
The NATCA president called for a comprehensive strategic plan to overhaul Nigeria’s communication and surveillance infrastructure. He argued that reliable systems would improve airspace safety, reduce economic waste and strengthen airline profitability.
He also said dependable infrastructure could attract additional airline operators to Nigerian airspace, generating increased government revenue.
He nevertheless warned that controllers would respond if the situation remained unresolved.
“As controllers, we will always want to see how we make the airspace safe, despite all these challenges. But if we are pushed to the wall, we will definitely react,” Adinu warned.
NAMA Responds With ADS-B Acquisition, Radar Overhaul Plans
Responding to the concerns, NAMA said it recognised the relationship between operational effectiveness and reliable equipment for air traffic communication. The agency also acknowledged that some existing radar infrastructure required significant upgrading to meet contemporary operational demands.
In an address delivered on his behalf by Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr Tayo John, Managing Director and Chief Executive of NAMA, Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, disclosed that the agency had recently acquired Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment.
He said the acquisition represented an important milestone in strengthening surveillance capabilities, improving situational awareness and enhancing air traffic management safety.
Furthermore, Farouk disclosed that management was pursuing a comprehensive overhaul of the agency’s radar systems.
“Our objective is to achieve a more reliable, efficient and technologically advanced surveillance network that will support safer skies and improved service delivery,” he said.
On communication infrastructure, the NAMA chief disclosed that the agency was engaging ASECNA to explore technical assistance and support for persistent equipment challenges.
“We are optimistic that this collaboration will contribute significantly to improving the reliability and availability of our air traffic communication infrastructure,” he said.
He described the initiatives as a transition from routine maintenance towards sustainable technological renewal.
However, the management address did not specify the implementation timetable for the proposed radar overhaul or the expected completion dates for the communication equipment interventions.
NAMA Announces Training and Welfare Improvements
Beyond infrastructure, NAMA highlighted manpower development and improved staff entitlements as important components of its modernisation agenda.
Farouk announced that the first batch of the agency’s overseas training programme had commenced. He said the programme would run in phases, allowing more personnel to benefit from international exposure and professional development.
The development complements NATCA’s capacity-building initiatives, which include training partnerships with international institutions.
Edino had disclosed that more than 100 controllers were undergoing training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, and the Nigerian Air Force Air Traffic Services Training Centre. NATCA also reported training 60 controllers in Fatigue Risk Management and another 60 in Air Traffic Flow Management.
On welfare, NAMA announced that it had implemented the Post-Licence Allowance, replacing the existing post-ratings Allowance arrangement.
Farouk said the change recognised the professional value of an air traffic controller’s licence and the responsibilities associated with maintaining it.
He also disclosed that management had approved a new rate for the medical allowance available to licensed controllers, effective January 2027.The agency further announced that its review of the Conditions of Service was at an advanced stage and almost concluded.
Communication Challenges and Industrial Harmony
While outlining these interventions, Farouk acknowledged that management had not addressed every concern confronting the workforce.
He urged NATCA to maintain constructive engagement with management, stressing that industrial harmony and open communication remained essential to institutional progress.
“We may not have addressed every concern, and we recognise that more work remains to be done. However, I assure you that Management remains committed to continuous engagement and practical solutions to the challenges confronting our workforce and the Agency,” he said.
The contrasting positions at the AGM place renewed attention on the condition of Nigeria’s air navigation infrastructure and the pace of management’s response.
While NAMA points to equipment acquisition, radar modernisation plans and international technical collaboration, NATCA insists that procurement milestones must translate into functioning equipment.
For air traffic controllers, the immediate concern remains the reliability of the systems, not limited to, air traffic communication equipment, they depend on to communicate with aircraft and maintain safe separation.
