The Federal Government has approved the overhaul of Nigeria’s ageing Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, moves to address critical air traffic management infrastructure concerns.
Keyamo disclosed the approval while delivering his welcome address at the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) themed: Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Air Traffic Management.
He was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mahmoud Adamu, who also declared the AGM open and inducted newly trained air traffic controllers.
The approval comes amid concerns over the operational lifespan of the country’s existing TRACON infrastructure. The system remains central to air traffic surveillance and the safe management of aircraft movements across Nigerian airspace.
According to the Permanent Secretary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved its overhaul, signalling a major intervention in Nigeria’s air navigation infrastructure concerns.
TRACON Overhaul and Surveillance Modernisation
Beyond the TRACON overhaul, Adamu outlined other equipment upgrades underway at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
He disclosed that NAMA had commenced the deployment of an ADS-B surveillance platform as part of efforts to strengthen airspace surveillance capabilities.
He also revealed that new VHF radios and voice communication and control systems intended for 14 locations had been submitted for assessment.
The Permanent Secretary said the government was also expecting additional equipment procured for the country’s airports and air navigation infrastructure.
He referenced a recent visit to Norway, where officials inspected some of the equipment expected to be deployed in Nigeria.
According to him, the equipment would significantly improve operational capabilities when delivered and installed.
Adamu further disclosed that he had personally signed a letter submitted by NAMA to the relevant government authority concerning additional equipment procurement and deployment.
He expressed optimism that the necessary approvals would be secured, paving the way for further improvements in air navigation services.
Keyamo Addresses Threat of Service Withdrawal over Infrastructure Concerns
The Minister also responded to NATCA’s concerns over possible service withdrawal arising from unresolved issues between the association and NAMA management.
Adamu said Keyamo understood the union president’s position as a call for engagement rather than a threat.
However, he urged the association to pursue dialogue and resolve outstanding disagreements without disrupting services to the travelling public.
He stressed that industrial disagreements within the aviation sector must not compromise the continuity of essential air navigation services.
Career Stagnation: Keyamo Orders Review of ATCO Structure
On welfare, the Minister identified prolonged career stagnation among experienced air traffic controllers as one of the issues requiring urgent attention.
Adamu recalled NATCA’s complaint that some experienced controllers had remained on Grade Level 16 for more than 14 years without promotion.
He acknowledged that these officers handle some of the country’s most complex air traffic operations. They also train and mentor younger controllers entering the profession.
According to him, their years of experience and contributions deserve recognition through a career structure that offers meaningful progression.
He subsequently conveyed Keyamo’s directive to the Permanent Secretary to examine the career structure of air traffic controllers, particularly progression beyond Grade Level 16.
The Permanent Secretary said he had accepted the responsibility and would work towards finding a solution.
He acknowledged that prolonged stagnation could damage staff morale, particularly in a safety-critical profession that depends heavily on experience and institutional knowledge.
Adamu also invited NATCA members, former NAMA chief executives and other stakeholders to submit formal proposals on addressing the problem.
He explained that the review must consider the peculiarities of the air traffic control profession and the requirements of the public service promotion system.
He noted that promotions within the civil service involve established procedures and approved structures, making it necessary to develop a workable framework.
Retaining Experienced Controllers and Outstanding Welfare Issues
Adamu also acknowledged the importance of retaining experienced air traffic controllers, warning against losing valuable professional expertise prematurely.
He said Nigeria could not afford to lose experienced personnel faster than the system could replace them.
He noted that the principle behind NATCA’s position on retaining senior controllers was sound, particularly given the specialised nature of air traffic management.
On other welfare concerns, he acknowledged progress made in reviewing basic salaries and addressing outstanding allowances.
However, he identified two outstanding issues requiring further attention: the General Conditions of Service and the review of professional allowances.
He urged NAMA management to address both matters within its available resources and without unnecessary delays.
For NATCA, the challenge now lies in translating the assurances on TRACON renewal and other infrastructure concerns, career progression and outstanding welfare matters into concrete outcomes.
The induction of newly trained controllers at the AGM also provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of building a sustainable workforce capable of supporting the country’s evolving airspace management requirements.
