Nigeria ATC Manpower Gap May Grow To 70% By 2030, Says NATCA
The President of National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Mr. Amos Edino says “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%.”
Edino who was delivering his welcome address at the 54th Annual General Meeting of NATCA held in Abuja, said the wave of retirements and the migration of skilled professionals abroad (the “Japa” trend), and inter-agency transfers driven by the search for better opportunities have greatly affected their performance. He called for a review and upward adjustment of the retirement age for Air Traffic Controllers to 65 years, aligning with other critical professions, remarking that over 150 controllers received international training in PBN, CPDLC, OJTI, UA Fundamentals, and UTM Airspace Integration, search and rescue among others.
Edino also revealed that over 300 controllers benefited from the first-ever domestic training programmes initiated in NAMA and that the long-awaited salary adjustment for Air Traffic Controllers in NAMA was signed in August 2025 and commenced implementation in September.
“This landmark achievement should, in due course, be extended to other agencies housing Air Traffic Controllers, ensuring equity and uniform recognition of our professional value across the aviation sector” he said, applauding the NAMA Management through the Directorate of Air Traffic Services (DATS) for commencing distribution of secured warm clothing for Air Traffic Controllers.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by Air Traffic Controllers with persistent manpower shortages, a challenge he remarked, continued to impact the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of air navigation services.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) while declaring the event open said the federal government would review the retirement age of Air Traffic Controllers in the country as part of efforts to bridge the manpower gaps in the country’s airspace management and development. He said the retirement age would be reviewed upward in order to ensure experienced hands and personnel are maximized and allow them to pass their experience to the younger generation, adding that the ministry would work with the relevant authorities to ensure a successful review.
Describing NATCA as the ‘Apple of the eye of Aviation’ Keyamo assured them of the necessary support needed to make them function effectively as they are in charge of the safety of the skies.
“I listened to his speech on the age of retirement of Air Traffic Controllers, I think I am convinced it is something I can take up.”
He noted that if pilots can fly at the age of 65 years, there is no need for the Air Traffic Controllers not to push for 65 years. Keyamo assured them that he would sit with the Permanent Secretary in the ministry to carefully study it and get approval for the upward review, adding that the county is short of Air Traffic Controllers in the country and there was a need to bridge the gap.
The 54th NATCA AGM had its theme ‘The Human Edge : Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management.’
