The Federal Government has disclosed plans to review the retirement age of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) in Nigeria from 60 to 65 years. This, according to Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, is part of ongoing efforts to address manpower shortages and ensure efficient airspace management nationwide.
Speaking while declaring open the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in Abuja, the Minister said the ministry would collaborate with relevant authorities to facilitate a successful review process.
“I listened to his speech on the retirement age of Air Traffic Controllers. I think I am convinced it is something I can take up,” he said.
Keyamo noted that if pilots are permitted to operate until the age of 65, Air Traffic Controllers should be granted the same extension, given the critical nature of their duties in maintaining flight safety.
He assured the association that he would meet with the Permanent Secretary of the ministry to carefully review the retirement age proposal and obtain approval for the upward adjustment.
The Minister described NATCA as the “Apple of the Eye of Aviation,” acknowledging their vital role in ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s skies.
He added that the sector is currently short of qualified controllers, making the review of the retirement age necessary to bridge existing manpower gaps and allow senior professionals to mentor younger ones.
NATCA Reiterates Call for 65 Years Retirement Age
In his welcome address, President of NATCA, Mr. Amos Edino, stressed that the wave of retirements, coupled with the migration of skilled professionals abroad under the “Japa” trend, and inter-agency transfers have significantly reduced workforce capacity.
According to him, if decisive measures are not taken, projections show that by 2030 the Air Traffic Controller workforce could decline sharply potentially widening the manpower gap by up to 70 percent.
He therefore appealed for an urgent review and upward adjustment of the retirement age to 65 years, aligning with global standards and other critical professions.
Mr. Edino revealed that over 150 controllers received international training in PBN, CPDLC, OJTI, UA Fundamentals, and UTM Airspace Integration, as well as Search and Rescue Operations.
Additionally, over 300 controllers benefited from the first-ever domestic training programmes initiated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
He disclosed that the long-awaited salary adjustment for Air Traffic Controllers was signed in August 2025 and implemented the following month, describing it as a major morale booster.
“This landmark achievement should, in due course, be extended to other agencies housing Air Traffic Controllers, ensuring equity and uniform recognition of our professional value across the aviation sector,” he stated.
The NATCA President further commended the NAMA Management and the Directorate of Air Traffic Services (DATS) for initiating the distribution of secured warm clothing to improve working conditions.
However, he noted that persistent manpower shortages continue to affect the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of air navigation services in the country.
The 54th NATCA AGM was held under the theme “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management.” The theme underscored the importance of developing human capital as a strategic priority in Nigeria’s evolving aviation ecosystem. However, one main focus is how to extend the retirement age of ATCs and ensure a succession line is open
