FG recalls 57 retires air traffic controllers to avert crisis in aviation sector

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - The Federal Government has recalled a total of 57 retired Air Traffic Controllers to fill critical manpower gaps in Nigeria’s aviation sector, following persistent complaints about staff shortages and operational fatigue among existing personnel.

This was confirmed by both the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the President of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association, Amos Edino. The move comes amid growing concerns that the shortage of skilled controllers is threatening the efficiency and safety of Nigeria’s airspace operations.

Edino confirmed the development during an interview with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, where he reiterated the urgent need for sustained recruitment, retraining, and retention of qualified professionals.

“The shortage of air traffic controllers has created excessive workloads, prolonged duty hours, and increased stress levels,” Edino said. “Controllers are now being forced to work four to five hours continuously per session — far beyond the standard two-hour limit. This has serious implications for safety and performance.”

The manpower challenge, according to industry observers, has persisted despite multiple appeals by NATCA for immediate intervention. In February 2025, the association formally urged the Federal Government to recruit and train new controllers to ensure safer management of the country’s growing air traffic volume.

Keyamo confirmed on Monday that the Federal Government approved the recall of 57 retired ATCs to operate in less busy airports across the country as a temporary measure to ease staffing pressure.

“We have recalled 57 retired ATCOs to manage less busy airports and address the shortage of active air traffic controllers,” Keyamo said.

“This measure will stabilize operations while we improve remuneration and training to attract new talent into the system.”

Keyamo made the disclosure through a message from the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Umar Farouk, adding that the government is simultaneously reviewing the retirement age of air traffic controllers to retain experienced personnel longer and ensure knowledge transfer to younger officers.

Speaking earlier at the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association in Abuja, the minister said the policy shift is necessary to prevent a further decline in manpower and maintain high operational standards.

“The country currently faces a shortage of air traffic controllers, and we must bridge this gap. Increasing the retirement age will allow experienced professionals to continue contributing to the safety and growth of our airspace,” Keyamo explained.

The recall comes as Nigeria prepares for a significant surge in air travel demand. The International Air Transport Association projects that Nigeria’s air traffic will reach 31 million passengers by 2030, while the International Civil Aviation Organisation estimates that Africa will require over 4,200 new air traffic controllers by 2037 to meet rising operational needs.

Air traffic controllers play a crucial role in maintaining flight safety by coordinating aircraft movements, preventing collisions, and ensuring efficient airspace usage. They work in control towers, radar rooms, and area control centres, using advanced communication and surveillance technologies to monitor and direct air traffic.

Nigeria currently operates one of Africa’s busiest airspaces, but the industry has struggled with personnel attrition caused by retirements, emigration, and limited training capacity. NATCA has repeatedly warned that without urgent workforce expansion and improved working conditions, safety could be compromised.

In addition to recalling retired controllers, the Federal Government has pledged to improve welfare incentives, expand training capacity, and modernise aviation infrastructure.

At the launch of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in October, Keyamo reaffirmed that the recall of retired aviation workers was part of a broader reform to revitalise Nigeria’s aviation workforce and ensure uninterrupted airspace management.

The minister stressed that the administration remains committed to developing a world-class aviation system anchored on safety, efficiency, and professionalism.

“We are addressing the manpower gap in both the short and long term. Beyond recalling retirees, we are improving salaries, expanding training facilities, and modernizing air navigation systems to prepare Nigeria for the aviation demands of the next decade,” he stated.

Aviation experts have welcomed the recall as a necessary short-term intervention but caution that sustained recruitment, technological upgrades, and attractive career pathways are essential to maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

As air traffic continues to expand, stakeholders say the government’s ability to balance immediate manpower needs with long-term capacity building will determine the future resilience of Nigeria’s aviation industry.