World ATC Day: NATCA Demands Urgent Upgrade of Air Traffic Infrastructure, Modern Communication Systems
Abuja — The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently invest in modern air traffic management infrastructure and advanced communication systems to strengthen aviation safety, improve operational efficiency and enhance the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Speaking in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2025 World Air Traffic Controllers Day, NATCA President, Mr. Edino Ilemona, said Nigeria must prioritise the modernisation of air navigation services if it hopes to maintain operational continuity and global aviation relevance.
He stressed that current air traffic control operations are being hampered by outdated equipment, limited communication coverage and inadequate staffing.
Ilemona urged the government to upgrade air traffic control and navigation systems across the country, deploy advanced Very High Frequency (VHF) communication facilities for extended coverage, and introduce data link systems to enable faster and more accurate exchange of flight information. He further appealed for improved training and retraining programmes for air traffic controllers, alongside better welfare, competitive salaries and career progression opportunities to boost retention and enhance productivity.
He emphasised the need to foster a proactive safety culture across the aviation sector, saying safety must be treated as a fundamental operational value rather than just a regulatory requirement. He also called for strengthened coordination with adjacent Flight Information Regions (FIRs) to improve cross-border flight safety and traffic management efficiency.
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Highlighting the economic importance of the aviation industry, Ilemona revealed that air traffic controllers in Nigeria manage over 15 million passengers annually across domestic and international operations.
He stated that domestic airlines operated about 80,000 flights in 2024 while international airlines recorded an estimated 15,000 flights within Nigerian airspace.
He added that air traffic controllers currently support flight operations across 32 airports and airstrips, including overflight coordination within
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