The Federal Government has reviewed that it will review the retirement age of Air Traffic Controllers(ATCs)n the country as part of efforts to bridge the manpower gaps in the country’s airspace management and development.
ATCs are critical part of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and they also play a critical role in aviation safety, requiring strong communication, multitasking, and decision-making skills.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo said that the retirement age will be review upward in to ensure experienced hands and personnel are maximised and to allow them to pass their experiences to the younger generation of ATCs.
He said this while declaring open the 54th Annual General Meeting(AGM) of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA),with the theme, “The Human Edge : Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management,” in Abuja.
Keyamo said the Aviation Ministry will work with the relevant authorities to ensure a successful review.
He described NATCA as the ‘Apple of the eye of Aviation’, assuring the association that he would provide the necessary support needed to make them function effectively as they are in charge of the safety skies.
“I listened to his speech on the age of retirement of Air Traffic Controllers, I think I am convinced it is something I can take up” he said.
He noted that if pilots can fly at the age of 65 years, there is no need for the ATCs not to push for 65 years.
Keyamo assured them that he would sit with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry to carefully study it and get approval for the upward review.
He noted that the country is dearth of ATCs in the country and there was a need to bridge the gap.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of NATCA, Mr Amos Edino revealed that the wave of retirements and the migration of skilled professionals abroad (the “Japa” trend), and inter-agency transfers driven by the search for better opportunities have greatly affected their performance.
According to him, current projections indicated that if decisive measures are not taken, by 2030, despite the expected growth in aviation activities, the number of ATCs workforce would decline sharply, potentially widening the manpower gap by up to 70 per cent..
He called for a review and upward adjustment of the retirement age for ATCs to 65 years — aligning with other critical professions.
He remarked that over 150 controllers received international training in PBN, CPDLC, OJTI, UA Fundamentals, and UTM Airspace Integration, search and rescue among others.
Edino also revealed that over 300 controllers benefited from the first-ever domestic training programs initiated in Nigerian Airspace Management Agency,(NAMA).
He stated that the long-awaited salary adjustment for ATCs in NAMA was signed in August 2025 and commenced implementation in September.
“This landmark achievement should, in due course, be extended to other agencies housing Air Traffic Controllers, ensuring equity and uniform recognition of our professional value across the aviation sector,” he said.
Edino further revealed that the NAMA management through the Directorate of Air Traffic Services (DATS), had commenced the distribution of secured warm clothing for ATCs.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by ATCs with persistent manpower shortages, a challenge he said, continued to impact the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of air navigation services.
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