NATCA warns of air traffic risks amid severe staff shortage
By Uzair Adam
The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has raised concerns over a critical shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) in the country, calling for urgent recruitment and training.
Speaking at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, NATCA President Amos Edino highlighted excessive workloads, prolonged duty hours, and mounting stress among ATCOs, warning that these factors are affecting performance and overall well-being.
He noted that due to manpower constraints, controllers often work beyond the standard two-hour shift, with some enduring continuous shifts of four to five hours.
He also pointed out capacity limitations at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, which is responsible for ATCO training.
Edino urged the government to review the salary structure to align with international standards and implement a comprehensive healthcare package to address occupational health risks.
He further lamented poor working conditions in control towers, including non-functional elevators that force controllers to climb over 250 steps daily.
On Air Traffic Management (ATM), he emphasized the urgent need to upgrade the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system, which has exceeded its 10-year operational lifespan and is now nearly 20 years old.
He stressed that resolving these challenges would secure Nigeria’s place among the top global air traffic control systems.