Air Traffic Controllers Voice Concerns Over NAMA’s Recruitment Practices and Technical Manpower Shortages

The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has expressed serious concerns about recent imbalanced recruitment practices within aviation agencies, notably the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). They argue that these recruitment practices contradict the agency’s founding principles and are detrimental to its mission.

NATCA, serving as the parent body of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs), has underscored the critical issue of inadequate technical expertise and a lack of human capital development within NAMA. They maintain that the kind of personnel being brought into the agency is incompatible with its actual operational needs.

NATCA’s President, Mr. Abayomi Agoro, conveyed these concerns during the 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference of NATCA in Port Harcourt. The event revolved around the theme of ‘Airspace Management and Contingent Cost Recovery Plan: Proposing a New Approach.’

Agoro pointed out that the recruitment practices did not align with NAMA’s status as an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). He urged NAMA’s management to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the agency’s workforce, focusing on specific departments or directorates in line with the agency’s core mandate. This evaluation should adhere to the standards endorsed by the Civil Air Navigation Service Organisation (CANSO) and industry best practices.

Agoro elaborated further:

“The systematic departure from the agency’s core objectives and the proliferation of departments and directorates unrelated to the aviation and aerospace sector raise concerns among industry observers. Our association has observed with alarm the emergence of these departments and directorates, which do not directly or indirectly contribute to the core mission of the agencies within the sector. Instead, they increase the operational costs of the agencies affected and, more notably, NAMA. As a legal expert, you would likely concur that there are departments and directorates that have not been accounted for or intended by the provisions of the NAMA Establishment Act 22 of 2022 (as amended).”

Reorganization in Aviation Agencies by Former Aviation Minister
It’s worth noting that the former Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, made significant personnel appointments within various aviation agencies on May 23, 2023, just days before the conclusion of the former government’s term. Among these appointments were Mr. Tayib Odunowo as the new Managing Director of NAMA, Matthew Lawrence Pwajok as Director of Operations, Khalid Emele overseeing Corporate Services, Mr. Uchendu Chibuzo Oji, and Amaka Ude Walker as General Manager of Public Affairs.

Flying Blind
Dr. Gabriel Olowo, the former President of the Aviation Round Table (ART), raised another issue in the aviation sector. He pointed out that there are areas along the route between Lagos and Abuja where pilots continue to operate without proper radar coverage, despite significant investments in the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON).

Olowo, who also chaired the event, called attention to the deplorable conditions of certain airports, suggesting that the government should consider closing them down. In a commendatory tone, he praised Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, for his bold decision to temporarily shut down the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos for renovations.

He also proposed that the substantial foreign currency spent by both the Federal and State governments on pilgrimage to holy lands could be better allocated to resolving the ongoing issues of funds held by foreign airlines in Nigeria. Redirecting these resources could offer relief to the airlines and the traveling public. This practical approach might help address the financial concerns of foreign carriers while enhancing the travel experience for passengers.