Air traffic controllers sound alarm over manpower shortage, poor pay

The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has raised concerns over the critical shortage of air traffic controllers, poor remuneration, and inadequate infrastructure, which pose significant risks to the safety and efficiency of airspace operations in Nigeria.

NATCA President Amos Edino emphasized that the current shortage of controllers has resulted in excessive workloads, prolonged duty hours, and increased stress levels, negatively affecting both performance and well-being.

“Air traffic controllers are often required to work beyond the standard two-hour shift limit per session, with some working four to five hours continuously due to manpower constraints,” Edino explained.

Edino criticized the rapid establishment of new airports by various state governments without a corresponding plan for staffing and operational management, further worsening the shortage of licensed air traffic controllers (ATCOs). He also highlighted the limitations of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, in training the required number of ATCOs.

While acknowledging the government’s recent initiative to recruit over 200 cadets, Edino argued that the selection process was flawed due to a lack of due diligence in assessing qualification requirements. He suggested that a more sustainable approach would be to extend the retirement age from 60 to 65 years, rather than rehiring retired ATCOs on contract.

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Edino lamented that Nigerian ATCOs remain the lowest paid in Africa, despite their critical role in ensuring the safe, orderly, and efficient flow of air traffic. He urged the government “to review the salary structure to reflect international best practices and enhance motivation within the profession.”

The NATCA president further stressed the need for a comprehensive healthcare package for ATCOs, noting that prolonged exposure to radiation in radar facilities has led to cancer-related health challenges. “There have been documented instances of ATCOs succumbing to cancer-related ailments, necessitating immediate attention to mitigate occupational health hazards,” Edino said.

Edino also decried the poor working conditions at several control towers and operational rooms, highlighting the need for modernization and upgrading of Air Traffic Management systems. He emphasized the urgent need to upgrade the current surveillance system, the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), which has exceeded its intended operational lifespan.

In response to the concerns raised by NATCA, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reassured workers that the present administration is actively working to address these concerns.

“The upgrade of TRACON is one of our administration’s key objectives, and Mr. President has graciously included aviation in the Renewed Hope Fund. This is one of the issues we hope to address through the fund,” Keyamo said.

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