Nigeria must invest in workforce to stay globally competitive – Keyamo
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has emphasised that strategic investment in human capacity is vital for Nigeria to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global aviation industry.
Keyamo made the remark while declaring open the 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event, themed “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management,” aligns with the Minister’s Five-Point Agenda, which underscores the federal government’s commitment to strengthening human capacity and fostering innovation in the aviation sector.
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In a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, head of Press and Public Affairs at the ministry, Keyamo commended NATCA for its steadfast dedication to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence in air traffic management.
He reiterated that human capacity remains the most critical component of aviation safety and efficiency, pledging the ministry’s continued support for training, retraining, and creating an enabling environment for aviation professionals to thrive.
“As the global aviation industry evolves toward next-generation air traffic management systems, Nigeria must strategically invest in its workforce to remain competitive and compliant with international standards,” the minister said.
Keyamo also highlighted the government’s ongoing measures to address workforce shortages in the aviation sector, particularly among air traffic controllers and other technical professionals.
Recall that during the unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Africa’s first privately owned aeronautics university, he revealed that the ministry has had to retain and recall retired personnel to fill critical gaps.
“I want to say that we are short-staffed in certain areas of aviation, particularly air traffic controllers. They are highly skilled professionals, and it takes time to train them. That’s why we’ve had to recall retired hands to bridge the gap while developing new capacity,” he explained.
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According to him, the establishment of IBUAM is a strategic step toward addressing these challenges, as it aligns with the federal government’s vision to build local capacity, reduce dependence on expatriate expertise, and prepare the continent’s workforce for the future of aviation.
The 54th NATCA AGM provides a platform for air traffic controllers, regulators, and aviation experts to deliberate on issues affecting the profession and to develop strategies for improving operational efficiency, safety, and service delivery across Nigeria’s airspace.
