….reaffirms commitment to safe skies, capacity development
By Kayode Olabanji
The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) has announced plans to hold its 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM), an event that brings together air traffic management professionals, aviation regulators, service providers, and key stakeholders to deliberate on issues shaping the future of air navigation services in Nigeria and beyond.
This year’s AGM, themed “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management,” is scheduled to take place from October 21 to 22 in Abuja.
Speaking ahead of the event, President of NATCA, Mr. Edino Amos Ilemona, said the theme underscores the importance of human capacity and adaptability in an era increasingly defined by automation, artificial intelligence and digital transformation within global air traffic management (ATM) systems.
According to him, the AGM will provide a platform to evaluate Nigeria’s readiness to embrace next-generation technologies while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and professionalism in air traffic operations.
“As the aviation industry transitions to more technology-driven systems, the human controller remains the core of air traffic safety and coordination, This AGM aims to strengthen our members’ capacity through dialogue, policy engagement, and professional development,” Ilemona stated.
The NATCA President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting a safer, more efficient and technology-driven Nigerian airspace.
He also commended the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ahmed Farouk, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for their continued efforts in sustaining aviation safety across the country.
He added that the 54th AGM would focus on the intersection of human expertise and emerging aviation technologies, emphasising the need for continuous training and exposure to keep Nigerian air traffic controllers aligned with global best practices.
“The theme of this AGM reflects our conviction that while technology enhances efficiency, it is the human edge, the skill, judgment and professionalism of the air traffic controller that guarantees safety,” Ilemona said.
Delegates from across the country are expected to attend, alongside representatives from NAMA, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and international partners such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) and the United States ATS.
The two-day event will feature technical paper presentations, panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions and interactive sessions.
Highlights will also include awards recognising outstanding contributions to air traffic management and aviation safety.