Nigerian air traffic controllers have threatened a strike over deteriorating communication and surveillance infrastructure, warning that continued use of insufficient equipment is straining aviation security.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) mentioned the Federal Government is but to translate introduced procurement approvals into purposeful equipment for the professionals chargeable for coordinating plane actions and sustaining secure separation between flights.
The affiliation’s nationwide president, Edino Amos, mentioned 2026 has been significantly difficult for air traffic controllers, with little enchancment within the programs they depend on to handle the nation’s airspace.
Mr Amos spoke on Tuesday on the fifty fifth Annual General Meeting of NATCA, themed “Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Nigerian Air Traffic Management”.
He warned that the affiliation might take into account withdrawing its providers if the federal government fails to current a transparent, complete plan to overtake the nation’s communication and surveillance infrastructure.
“On infrastructure, the 12 months underneath evaluate has been a tough one for the affiliation. Despite the appreciable challenges confronted by ATCOs throughout the size and breadth of the nation, our communication and surveillance infrastructure has not improved considerably.
“We acknowledge the approvals and procurement milestones that have been announced. However, these have yet to translate into a material improvement in the equipment available to controllers at the console,” Mr Amos mentioned.
NATCA mentioned it has made a number of makes an attempt to attract authorities authorities’ consideration to the infrastructure deficiency, together with in search of engagements with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the administration of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
However, Mr Amos famous that these engagements haven’t produced the enhancements wanted to ease the operational challenges going through air traffic controllers.
The affiliation argued that communication and surveillance programs shouldn’t be subjected to funding uncertainties or extended procurement processes due to their significance to aviation security and nationwide safety.
It mentioned the opportunity of industrial motion is changing into more and more tough to rule out with out concrete authorities commitments.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I state that this frustrating engagement is pushing the Association towards considering the withdrawal of our services, should there be no clear strategic plan for the total overhaul of communication and surveillance infrastructure in Nigeria,” Mr Amos warned.
Nigeria’s airspace is managed by NAMA, which offers air navigation providers, together with air traffic management, communication, navigation and surveillance infrastructure.
The company’s operational obligations are distinct from these of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which manages airports and associated amenities.
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Mr Amos mentioned investing in dependable infrastructure will enhance airspace security, scale back operational inefficiencies and forestall avoidable financial losses for airways.
According to him, improved programs might help elevated air traffic, enhance authorities income, strengthen nationwide safety and enhance Nigeria’s standing within the world aviation trade.
He additionally argued that dependable surveillance infrastructure is essential past civil aviation, significantly in supporting efforts to observe plane actions and strengthen the nation’s safety structure.
“Honourable Minister, we make this call not as a threat, but as patriots who sit daily before screens and failing frequencies to keep this country safe,” Mr Amos mentioned.
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