Air Traffic Controllers Warn Ageing Equipment Could Disrupt Nigerian Flights
ABUJA — Nigeria’s air traffic controllers have warned that deteriorating communication and surveillance equipment could lead them to withdraw services unless aviation authorities produce a clear overhaul plan.
The warning was issued by Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association president Edino Amos at the union’s 55th annual general meeting. He said controllers continue to face unreliable equipment even after repeated procurement and upgrade announcements.
Air traffic controllers rely on communication, navigation and surveillance systems to maintain safe separation between aircraft and coordinate movements on the ground and in the air. Failures or gaps in those systems can increase workload and force controllers to use slower contingency procedures.
The association said procurement spending must translate into reliable tools at operational consoles. It called for a transparent, time-bound plan covering equipment replacement, maintenance and redundancy.
No strike date was announced in the reports reviewed by MBTV. The statement is therefore a warning of possible service withdrawal, not confirmation that flights have already been suspended or that a nationwide strike has begun.
Aviation agencies should respond publicly with the condition of critical systems and the measures being taken to prevent disruption. Passengers should continue to check directly with their airlines for confirmed schedule changes rather than relying on social-media rumours.
Sources: Premium Times; Punch aviation reporting.
Featured image: illustrative air-traffic-control photograph by Ian Romie Ona/Unsplash.
