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By Chinelo Obogo
The Federal Government on Tuesday disclosed that it will review the retirement age of air traffic controllers in the country as part of efforts to bridge the manpower gaps in the country’s airspace management and development.
Speaking while declaring open the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in Abuja this week, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said the retirement age will be reviewed upward in order to ensure experienced hands and personnel are maximized and allow them to pass their experience to the younger generation.
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 noted, stating that if pilots can fly at the age of 65, there is no need for air traffic controllers not to push for the same age.
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 said that the country is short of air traffic controllers and there is a need to bridge the gap.
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In his welcome address, the President of NATCA, 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%.
He then called for a review and upward adjustment of the retirement age to 65 years, aligning with other critical professions.
He remarked that over 150 controllers received international training and that over 300 controllers benefited from the first-ever domestic training programs initiated in NAMA.
He stated that the 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.
