Aviation Regulators Sound Alarm on Hazards, Demand Immediate Government Action

Nigeria's National Air Traffic Controllers Association, NATCA, is calling on the government to take immediate action to address pressing safety concerns that could compromise the country's airspace, citing outdated equipment, low morale, and excessive workload as significant strain on operations.

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These systemic failures have evolved from administrative issues to active threats to aviation safety, exerting physical and mental strain on the workforce, according to NATCA.

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NATCA President Edino Amos emphasized this point at the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations, IFATCA, and the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Africa Joint Workshop in Lagos, where he highlighted the operational, physical, and mental strain faced by most traffic controllers.

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Amos expressed optimism that the workshop would equip traffic controllers to effectively engage stakeholders on pressing concerns, while also warning that Nigeria's air traffic controllers are at a breaking point due to overwhelming systemic challenges that threaten aviation safety.

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He stressed that urgent government intervention is necessary to address crippling issues such as obsolete equipment, low morale, excessive workload, and the operational, physical, and mental strain on NATCA members.

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Amos cautioned that without immediate corrective measures, air traffic management efficiency and safety could be undermined, and he hopes the training will enable NATCA to present operational challenges to management and government more effectively.

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The workshop, according to Amos, presents a valuable opportunity for the profession to elevate air traffic management standards in Nigeria.

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IFATCA Executive Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Mr Ahmad Abba, emphasized that effective industrial relations are the foundation of aviation safety, particularly as global air traffic demand becomes increasingly complex.

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Abba noted that poor communication between regulators and staff can no longer be afforded in the industry, and while industrial action is a legitimate labour right, NATCA members must treat it as a last resort to safeguard public confidence and the continuity of air navigation services.