NATCA Seeks To Achieve 80% CNS/ATM infrastructure Coverage, 2030
The President of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA), Mr. Edino Ilemona Amos says in response to current data which shows that CNS/ATM infrastructure coverage remains below 40% of the optimal national requirement, with several control facilities operating with outdated systems, “NATCA will continue to engage NAMA, the Ministry, and international partners to prioritize modernization projects and achieve at least 80% coverage by 2030.”
Delivering his speech at NATCA’s 54th Annual General Meeting and Conference
held at NAF Conference Center, Abuja, October 21 to 22, 2025, Edino under the United ATS MoU it signed, NATCA aims to “conduct at least four specialized workshops annually and secure no fewer than 50 international training slots per year for Nigerian controllers. These opportunities will deepen our technical expertise and align our operations with ICAO and IFATCA global standards.”
He said “by 2026, NATCA will work towards establishing a dedicated Aeromedical and Fatigue Management Support Desk to address occupational health challenges. We also plan to expand psychological and stress support services to reach every control unit nationwide, recognizing the unique cognitive strain of our profession.”
On promoting unity and professional collaboration, he said
“NATCA’s greatest asset remains its people. With over 700 active controllers and trainees across the nation, our strength lies in solidarity. We will continue to foster unity across all stations, chapters, and directorates, ensuring that our collective voice remains strong, respected, and effective.”
According to him, “current projections indicate that if decisive measures are not taken, by 2030, despite the expected growth in national aviation activities, the Air Traffic Controller workforce could decline sharply, potentially widening the manpower gap by up to 70%. This is therefore a call to action for the review and upward adjustment of the retirement age for Air Traffic Controllers to 65 years — aligning with other critical professions. Such a policy shift will help retain invaluable expertise, ensure operational continuity, and strengthen safety oversight within Nigeria’s airspace system.
Today, Nigeria’s skies are among the safest in Africa, with over 90% of flight movements handled seamlessly across our airspace — a testament to your commitment, vigilance, and professionalism. Every safe landing, every smooth departure, and every life preserved in the air bears the unseen signature of an Air Traffic Controller.”
“In 2024 alone, Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers managed over 420,000 aircraft movements — a 12% increase from the previous year — despite working with less than 65% of the required manpower and under evolving operational pressures. This remarkable record is not just a statistic; it is proof that excellence and dedication define who we are.”
He stressed the need to “continue to invest in Human Capital Development — training, retraining, and equipping our controllers to meet the challenges of a rapidly expanding airspace that is projected to grow by over 35% by 2030.”
Theme is the conference is “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management.”
