Nigeria’s air traffic controllers have threatened to withdraw their services over the persistent failure of communication and surveillance equipment, warning that the situation poses a growing risk to aviation safety.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said it might be compelled to embark on industrial action if the Federal Government failed to provide a clear plan for the comprehensive upgrade of the country’s communication and surveillance infrastructure.
The association’s National President, Edino Amos, said air traffic controllers had endured a difficult year in 2026, with little improvement in the equipment required to coordinate aircraft movements and ensure safe distances between flights.
Amos made the disclosure on Tuesday during the 55th Annual General Meeting of NATCA, themed, “Beyond Silos to Synergy: Shaping the Future of Nigerian Air Traffic Management”.
He expressed dissatisfaction that despite government approvals and announced procurement milestones, the expected improvements had yet to reflect in the equipment available to air traffic controllers at their various workstations.
He said, “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, there has been no significant improvement in our communication and surveillance infrastructure.
“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.”
Amos said the association had made several efforts to get the government to address the situation, including seeking meetings with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
According to him, the association believes that critical communication and surveillance facilities should not be left to funding uncertainties and lengthy procurement procedures because of their importance to the safe management of Nigeria’s airspace.
He warned that the failure to achieve tangible progress despite repeated engagements had increased the possibility of the association withdrawing its services.
“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.”
Amos warned
The NATCA president maintained that investing in modern communication and surveillance systems would strengthen aviation safety, eliminate operational inefficiencies and prevent airlines from incurring avoidable financial losses.
He identified five major benefits of improving the infrastructure, including safer airspace, reduced economic waste, improved profitability for airlines, increased air traffic and government revenue, enhanced national security and a better international rating for Nigeria.
The association also stressed that effective surveillance systems were essential to national security, noting that monitoring aircraft movements was important beyond civil aviation operations.
Appealing directly to the aviation minister, Amos said the association’s concerns should be seen as a genuine effort by professionals to protect the country’s airspace rather than an attempt to intimidate the government.
“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,” he said.
