FG recalls 57 retired air traffic controllers to avert manpower crisis
The Federal Government has recalled 57 retired air traffic controllers to address the current manpower crisis in the aviation sector.
The move follows growing concerns over staff shortages and operational fatigue among serving personnel — issues that have threatened the efficiency and safety of Nigeria’s airspace operations.
The development was confirmed by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Amos Edino, President of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).
The Federal Government had recently disclosed plans to review the retirement age of air traffic controllers as part of efforts to bridge manpower gaps in the country’s airspace management system.
Keyamo said the retirement age would be reviewed upward from 60 to 65 years to ensure that experienced personnel are retained longer and able to pass their expertise to younger controllers. He added that the ministry would work with relevant authorities to ensure a successful review.
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Edino stressed the urgent need for sustained recruitment, retraining, and retention of qualified professionals.
“The shortage of air traffic controllers has created excessive workloads, prolonged duty hours, and increased stress levels,” he said. “Controllers are now being forced to work four to five hours continuously per session — far beyond the standard two-hour limit. This has serious implications for safety and performance.”
The manpower challenge has persisted despite repeated appeals by NATCA for immediate intervention. In February 2025, the association formally urged the Federal Government to recruit and train new controllers to ensure safer management of Nigeria’s growing air traffic volume.
Keyamo confirmed on Monday that the Federal Government had approved the recall of 57 retired controllers to operate in less busy airports across the country as a temporary measure to ease staffing pressure.
“We have recalled 57 retired ATCOs to manage less busy airports and address the shortage of active air traffic controllers,” Keyamo said.
“This measure will stabilise operations while we improve remuneration and training to attract new talent into the system.”
Keyamo made the disclosure through a message conveyed by Umar Farouk, Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, adding that the government is simultaneously reviewing the retirement age to retain experienced personnel longer and ensure knowledge transfer to younger officers.
