Nigeria’s aviation industry is grappling with a severe air traffic controllers shortage, a crisis that experts warn could undermine air safety and operational efficiency across the country’s airports.
The development has sparked urgent policy discussions, with the Federal Government now considering extending the retirement age of controllers to address the growing manpower gap.
Speaking in Abuja during the unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the shortage as a critical concern for the safety of air navigation.
He revealed that the ministry had been forced to recall retired controllers to keep essential operations running, an emergency measure that reflects the gravity of the situation.
“We have had to retain and recall retired personnel to fill critical gaps,” Keyamo said, noting that the shortage poses real risks to aviation safety and the smooth management of Nigeria’s airspace.
Understanding the Air Traffic Controllers Shortage
The air traffic controllers shortage has been linked to two major factors: mass retirements and limited training capacity at Nigeria’s aviation institutions.
Air traffic controllers are indispensable in maintaining safety in the skies — coordinating flight paths, preventing collisions, and providing guidance to pilots throughout all stages of flight.
However, with many nearing retirement and too few recruits entering the system, the imbalance has created operational strain.
The President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Amos Edino, told reporters that the current workforce is overstretched.
“We are witnessing an acute shortage of manpower. People are retiring, and our aviation school lacks the capacity to train replacements quickly enough,” Edino said.
He further disclosed that the remaining controllers have been forced to work extended hours, raising health and safety concerns.
“Overworking controllers will inevitably affect their well-being and concentration levels, which can impact safety,” he warned.
Push for Policy Reform and Improved Conditions
In response to the air traffic controllers shortage, NATCA has proposed a policy reform to extend the retirement age for controllers from 60 to 65 years.
According to Edino, this measure will allow for proper knowledge transfer between older and younger personnel while reducing the immediate staffing gap.
He also urged the government to improve remuneration packages and working conditions to make the profession more appealing to young Nigerians.
“If the retirement age is extended by five years, it will give us time for effective succession planning,” he said. “Better pay and conditions will also help attract new entrants into the field.”
The shortage has already compelled the Federal Government to rehire retired officials on a contractual basis, though many have declined due to excessive workloads and inadequate incentives.
Industry Experts Warn of Broader Systemic Challenges
Aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo described the air traffic controllers shortage as a long-standing problem rooted in structural inefficiencies.
He argued that the authorities should have acted earlier to address training bottlenecks and improve workforce planning.
“This manpower issue has persisted for years,” Ohunayo explained.
“The system’s reliance on retirees shows that training and recruitment have not kept pace with demand. NAMA and NCAT must collaborate to create flexible training frameworks.”
Ohunayo suggested that while practical sessions should continue at the National College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, theoretical courses could be decentralised to other locations through modern e-learning platforms.
Beyond staffing, he also pointed out that the aviation sector struggles with outdated air traffic control technology, which he said should be an equally pressing concern.
“We can’t talk about safety without addressing obsolete equipment. Nigeria needs to upgrade its radar systems and adopt advanced digital tools to complement human capacity,” he added.
Government’s Next Steps on the Air Traffic Controllers Shortage
In response to growing industry pressure, Festus Keyamo confirmed that the Ministry of Aviation would initiate discussions to review the retirement age policy upward.
Speaking during the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in Abuja, Keyamo assured stakeholders that the federal government values their role as the “apple of the aviation sector’s eye.”
“I have listened carefully to the concerns about retirement age,” the minister said.
“I am convinced this is a matter we can take up and work on. We will collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure experienced hands are retained long enough to mentor younger staff.”
The minister reaffirmed his commitment to creating a more sustainable and attractive working environment for air traffic controllers, promising government support for both welfare improvement and technological upgrades.
The Way Forward for Nigeria’s Aviation Safety
Industry observers agree that resolving the air traffic controllers shortage requires a mix of short- and long-term strategies — from improving workforce incentives and extending retirement age to expanding training capacity and modernising infrastructure.
Analysts also emphasize that Nigeria’s growing aviation sector cannot afford systemic gaps in personnel and equipment.
Ensuring continuous air safety will depend not just on numbers, but also on effective policy implementation and sustained investment in human capital.
As global air traffic rises and Nigeria’s aviation market expands, the ability of the government to stabilize and empower its air traffic control workforce will be crucial in maintaining safety, efficiency, and international confidence in the nation’s skies.
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