The managing director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Mr Ahmed Farouk said air traffic controllers are burdened with high pressure situations, complex decision-making and the weight of responsibility for the safety of others.
He stated this in an address at the 53rd annual general meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) held yesterday in Kano.
The managing director who was represented by the director of air traffic services, Mr Tayo John, said the ATCs are the people “silently sitting in a corner unnoticed and lending your voices to the growth and development of aviation in Nigeria.”
He said dedication, expertise and commitment to safety are the backbone of our aviation industry.
“You work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth operation of our airspace and the safety of countless passengers and crew.
“You consistently rise to the challenge, demonstrating poise, professionalism and a deep passion for your work.
I acknowledge the incredible work each and every one of you does. Your contributions are valued, recognised and appreciated,” he said.
Commenting on the theme of the event ‘Sustainability of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Aviation: The imperative of manpower development and efficient air navigation services’, Farouk said such discourse could not have come at a better time than now against the backdrop of various transformations He said the federal government had changed the face of aviation in Nigeria by establishing a systematic and sustainable pathway for the development of aviation and aerospace in Nigeria.
Notably, he said within the last one year, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Mr Festus Keyamo, “has facilitated a number of projects that have made our airspace attractive to customers within the industry” and “displayed a tremendous commitment to the development of air traffic services trainings and re-trainings, to bridge the manpower gap within the industry.
He listed some of the initiatives to include, but not limited to the free route airspace programme, the return of Emirates Airlines after suspension of their flights for about two years, procurement and installation of navigational aids across airports in the country, as well as the boost in the training of ATCs by collaborating with the Nigerian Air Force to train additional 20 ATCOs on Aerodrome, Approach Procedural and Surveillance.
Farouk also said NAMA was aware of the challenges faced by the ATCs in their quest for excellence and service to the agency.
He therefore requested for the cooperation of the ATCs with the management through “your continued dedication and commitment to the safe, efficient and effective provision of air traffic control service, at various levels.”
