Air Traffic Controllers in Nigeria May Strike Over Poor Equipment

Nigerian air traffic controllers are threatening to strike due to failing communication and surveillance systems. They say using bad equipment is making aviation safety more difficult.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) said the Federal Government has not turned promised equipment purchases into working tools for the people who manage aircraft movements and keep flights safely apart.

Edino Amos, the national president of the association, said 2026 has been a tough year for air traffic controllers. There has been little change in the systems they depend on to control the nation’s airspace.

Mr Amos spoke on Tuesday at NATCA's 55th Annual General Meeting. The theme was “Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Nigerian Air Traffic Management.”

He warned that the association might stop providing services if the government does not show a clear plan to fix the country’s communication and surveillance systems.

“On infrastructure, the year under review has been a difficult one for the association. Despite the considerable challenges faced by ATCOs across the length and breadth of the country, our communication and surveillance infrastructure has not improved significantly.

“We acknowledge the approvals and procurement milestones that have been announced. However, these have yet to translate into a material improvement in the equipment available to controllers at the console,” Mr Amos said.

NATCA has tried many times to get the government’s attention on these issues. They have reached out to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

But Mr Amos pointed out that these meetings have not resulted in the needed improvements to help air traffic controllers.

The association believes that funding gaps and long procurement processes should not affect communication and surveillance systems. These systems are important for aviation safety and national security.

They said the chance of a strike is getting harder to ignore without real commitments from the government.

“It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I state that this frustrating engagement is pushing the Association towards considering the withdrawal of our services, should there be no clear strategic plan for the total overhaul of communication and surveillance infrastructure in Nigeria,” Mr Amos warned.

Nigeria’s airspace is managed by NAMA, which provides air navigation services, including air traffic control, communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. This is different from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which runs airports and related facilities.

Mr Amos said that investing in better infrastructure would improve airspace safety, cut down operational problems, and prevent losses for airlines.

He believes better systems could lead to more air traffic, increase government income, boost national security, and improve Nigeria’s image in the global aviation scene.

He also said reliable surveillance systems are crucial beyond just civil aviation. They help monitor aircraft movements and strengthen the country’s security.

“Honourable Minister, we make this call not as a threat, but as patriots who sit daily before screens and failing frequencies to keep this country safe,” Mr Amos said.