NATCA To Hold 54th AGM, Affirms Commitment To Safe Skies, Capacity Development
The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) has announced plans to hold its 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the flagship event that brings together air traffic management professionals, aviation regulators, service providers, and stakeholders to discuss issues critical to the advancement of air navigation services in Nigeria and beyond.
This year’s AGM, themed “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management,” is scheduled to hold from October 21 to 22 in Abuja.
President of NATCA, Mr. Edino Amos Ilemona said the choice of theme reflects NATCA’s recognition of the centrality of human capacity and adaptability in an era increasingly defined by automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation within global air traffic management (ATM) systems.
According to him, the AGM will serve as a platform to evaluate the readiness of Nigeria’s air traffic control system to embrace next-generation technologies while sustaining the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and professionalism.
Edino said “As the aviation industry transitions into more technology-driven systems, the human controller remains the core of air traffic safety and coordination. This AGM aims to strengthen our members’ capacity through dialogue, policy engagement, and professional development,”
He reaffirmed NATCA’s commitment to ensuring a safer, more efficient, and technology-driven Nigerian airspace, while commending the invaluable role played by Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Ahmed Farouk and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo in sustaining aviation safety across the country.
He further added that the 54th AGM will focus on the intersection between human expertise and emerging aviation technologies, noting that while automation and artificial intelligence are redefining air traffic management globally, the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers must be continuously equipped through training and exposure to remain relevant in the evolving aviation ecosystem.
“The theme of this AGM reflects our conviction that while technology enhances efficiency, it is the human edge, the skill, judgment, and professionalism of the air traffic controller that guarantees safety,” the NATCA President said.
The AGM according to him will bring together delegates from across the country, alongside representatives of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and international partners such as ICAO and IFATCA, the United States ATS among others.
The event will feature technical paper presentations, panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, and interactive sessions involving key stakeholders from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and international partners including ICAO and IFATCA (International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations).
Highlights of the event will include technical paper presentations, professional development workshops, and awards to recognize outstanding contributions to air traffic management and safety.
