From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has tasked the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), to develop innovative solutions to accelerate the training of new and proficient air traffic controllers as Africa is expected to have 4,203 new air traffic controllers in 2037.
The minister stated this at the 34th IFATAC Africa and Middle East Regional meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the target of 4,203 new air traffic controllers was a projection of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), projects, adding that the ministry would continue to provide all the necessary support needed for NCAT to meet and exceed its statutory responsibilities and functions.
The minister, represented by the Ag. director, Air Safety and Administration, Michael Chiko also said: ” the profession of air traffic control has evolved rapidly, transitioning from simple flag signalling to sophisticated technologies. This evolution facilitates management of the surging number of aircraft traversing our
skies daily.
“As a vital, indispensable component of air safety, air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic. Therefore, | am not unaware of the critical role you play and invariably, the heavy burden you bear. This burden is compounded by increased air traffic, workforce shortages, technological shifts; necessitating rigorous training regimes.
” More so, with the emergence of unmanned aerial vehicles, reshaping dynamics and challenging the norm, it is thus paramount to prepare for the future and indeed Nigeria like other countries must prepare for the future.”
Also speaking at the event, the managing director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Mohammed Odunowo, who was represented by Mr. Lawrence Pwajok said: “the theme of the 34th IFATCA Africa and Middle East Regional meeting titled ‘Shaping the Future: Trends and Insights On ATC Training for Tomorrow’ is very appropriate at this time as air traffic control reaches a major turning point with the celebration of 100 years in existence.
“It is obvious that the future air traffic management system will be characterized by extensive application of automation, digitization and artificial intelligence.”
Earlier,the president of Nigeria Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) Agoro Abayomi in his welcome address solicited for more inputs from MAs in order to review the current state of the whole region with a view to identifying areas of shortfalls and determining how to help.