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The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) has cautioned that flight delays throughout the nation could soon be unavoidable, as it contemplates introducing countrywide traffic management strategies to address increasing physical and psychological exhaustion among air traffic controllers.

NATCA stated that the decision is motivated by deteriorating working conditions, insufficient staffing, and the ongoing deterioration of essential communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems.

In a strong statement jointly authored by Edino Ilemona Amos, president, and Umar Fahad, general secretary, the organization cautioned that air traffic controllers are being overburdened past safe thresholds and hinted at significant worries regarding the dependability of the nation’s airspace control.

NATCA stated that its concern stems from practical situations, not emotions.

According to the statement, controllers are operating under “ongoing operational shortcomings, insufficient equipment, unresolved well-being concerns, and intense mental pressure,” which it characterized as unsuitable for a role requiring full focus and immediate choices.

A significant factor, the organization highlighted, is the ongoing reliance on obsolete communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems.

As per NATCA, essential systems continue to be unstable, prompting air traffic controllers to find workarounds for technical deficiencies that should not be present in a contemporary aviation setting.

It warned that “no airspace can be genuinely secure when those in charge of its management are forced to function beyond the safe capabilities of their existing systems,” highlighting that deterioration of infrastructure is steadily raising operational risks.

The group also highlighted a concerning lack of organized training and staff development. As aviation advances quickly, NATCA stated that the absence of regular retraining and long-term workforce planning is making the system vulnerable.

It cautioned that without immediate investment, Nigeria faces a potential lack of properly trained air traffic controllers, despite the ongoing increase in air traffic, which could reduce safety levels.

Working conditions, the organization stated, are equally concerning. It mentioned that some control towers do not meet minimum safety requirements. It highlighted the recent fire at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where controllers reportedly left under hazardous circumstances before resuming their duties shortly afterward.

NATCA stated that the event underscores the concealed risks air traffic controllers encounter every day, frequently without sufficient safety measures or time to recuperate.

In addition to operational risks, the association highlighted a worsening welfare situation. It noted that many seasoned controllers have stayed at Grade Level 16 for as long as 13 years, which it referred to as “deeply demoralizing” in a field that requires sustained dedication and self-control.

Postponed promotions, it cautioned, are damaging employee spirit and conveying an incorrect message to professionals tasked with protecting lives.

The group also expressed disapproval of the lack of review for professional and aeromedical allowances, which have stayed the same since 2012 even with increasing financial challenges. It emphasized that these are not indulgent perks but necessary assistance required to ensure certification, health requirements, and operational preparedness.

Adding to the problem are discrepancies in the payment of post-licence rating allowances. NATCA stated that controllers are not receiving adequate compensation according to established guidelines, leading to financial pressure and instability.

Although there have been multiple attempts to address the differences, the organization stated that the problem is still not fixed, damaging confidence and increasing anger among members.

Furthermore, valid claims for duty-related expenses have gone unpaid for several months, leading controllers to cover operational costs out of their own pockets, a situation that is not viable in today’s economic conditions.

To alleviate staffing challenges, NATCA suggested bringing back retired controllers at somewhat lower pay grades, provided they meet medical requirements. It noted that this would assist in maintaining essential expertise, enhance guidance, and lessen the workload for newer employees.

Due to the extensive and demanding preparation needed to develop competent air traffic controllers, the organization referred to the suggestion as a realistic measure in ensuring consistent operational reliability.

NATCA also expressed worries about imbalances in the system’s structure, pointing out that senior controllers are now frequently supervised by junior officers in different departments. This, according to them, has “increased frustration, harmed self-respect, and reduced trust” throughout the profession.

The group cautioned that enthusiasm has declined significantly and is now part of a broader well-being crisis that may affect the entire system’s functionality.

Although recognizing the work of aviation regulators, NATCA urged immediate and firm action to tackle deteriorating infrastructure, well-being issues, and staffing shortages.

“These concerns extend beyond employee well-being; they relate to the security of travelers, airlines, airport visitors, and the entire aviation system,” the statement mentioned.

As the possibility of a countrywide flight disruption hangs over, those involved are now facing the need to respond rapidly, since the effects of not taking action might go beyond just delays and affect the fundamental aspects of air travel safety in Nigeria.