Air Traffic Controllers To Shutdown Nigeria’s Airspace Nov. 23 Over Outstanding Allowance

MMIAThe Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association, NATCA, on Sunday issued a 21-day ultimatum to the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, to pay outstanding allowances of its members.

The association gave the ultimatum in a communiqué signed by its President, Victor Eyaru, and the General Secretary, Banji Olawode, at the end of its 43rd Annual General Meeting in Kano State.

The association demanded that all unresolved issues regarding air traffic controllers’ remuneration and professional allowances should be attended to with effect from November 3.

The air controllers also requested for the review of the allowances of their members working at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

They said the review of the allowances had been pending before the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission since 2010.

NATCA said it was determined to resist the alleged plan by the management of NAMA to appoint a non-air traffic controller as an airspace manager at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

“In addition, NATCA demands that the headship of all stations should revert to air traffic controllers”, it said.

The association commended the efforts of the NCAT in improving its training facilities such as virtual tower and radar simulators.

It suggested that sufficient training and re-training should be given to all controllers as part of measures aimed promoting air safety.

(NAN)