Nigeria Faces Looming Air Traffic Controller Shortage, NATCA Warns

 The National Association of Air Traffic Controllers (NATCA) has issued a stark warning over a critical manpower shortage in Nigeria’s aviation sector, which threatens the efficiency and safety of flight operations nationwide.

The alert was raised on Monday during the commemoration of the International Day of the Air Traffic Controller in Lagos. NATCA officials cautioned that without immediate intervention, the country could lose over 70 experienced controllers to retirement in the coming years, exacerbating an already severe staffing crisis.

NATCA Deputy President, Shettima Babagan, highlighted a 2022 study revealing a significant deficit at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. While the airport’s five operational units require approximately 120 controllers for efficient management, it currently operates with fewer than half that number.

“The reality has not changed much since then, even though air traffic has grown significantly,” Babagan stated, noting that increased post-pandemic travel demand is placing additional strain on understaffed teams.

The association also pointed to aging technology as a key concern, noting that the primary surveillance system, TRACON, has been in operation for over a decade and requires modernization. “You cannot retain an experienced controller without adequate motivation and up-to-date working tools,” Babagan emphasized.

NATCA President, Amos Edino, stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that training a proficient controller takes a minimum of three years. “So even if recruitment starts today, we won’t feel the impact until three years down the line,” he said.

The manpower challenge is not unique to Nigeria, with the United States also grappling with significant air traffic controller shortages. However, NATCA leaders underscored that the critical issue is how each nation responds to the looming crisis.