The federal government has disclosed that it will review the retirement age of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), in the country as part of efforts to bridge the manpower gaps in the country’s airspace management and development.
Minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, said the retirement age will be reviewed upward to ensure experienced hands and personnel are maximised and allow them to pass their experience to the younger generation.
While opening the 54th annual general meeting(AGM) of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in Abuja, Keyamo said the ministry will work with the relevant authorities to ensure a successful review.
Describing NATCA as the ‘Apple of the eye of Aviation,’ Keyamo assured them of the necessary support needed to make them function effectively, as they are in charge of the safety of the 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 air traffic controllers 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 short of air traffic controllers and there is a need to bridge the gap. The air traffic controllers have been pushing for 65 years for the retirement age for their personnel.
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 indicate that if decisive measures are not taken, by 2030, despite the expected growth in national aviation activities, the air traffic controller workforce could decline sharply, potentially widening the manpower gap by up to 70 per cent.
He then called for a review and upward adjustment of the retirement age for Air Traffic Controllers 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 NAMA.
He stated that, the long-awaited salary adjustment for Air Traffic Controllers 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), commenced distribution of secured warm clothing for Air Traffic Controllers.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by Air Traffic Controllers with persistent manpower shortages, a challenge he remarked, continued to impact the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of air navigation services.
The 54th NATCA AGM had its theme ‘The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management’
