Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, don dey praise air traffic controllers as the true custodians of aviation safety. Him make dis statement during the 35th International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) Africa and Middle East (AFM) Regional Meeting wey dey hold in Cairo, Egypt.
Keyamo talk say despite the advancement in technologies like satellite-based navigation and artificial intelligence, the impact of air traffic controllers no fit be underestimated. Him emphasize say the skill and expertise of these controllers na the foundation of aviation safety.
“The true custodians of safety are the men and women behind these systems. It is their expertise, decision-making, and adaptability that keep our skies safe,” Keyamo say.
Keyamo also mention Nigeria’s investment in upgrading the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, as a strategic step to ensure that air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals receive cutting-edge training aligned with international standards.
Him stress the importance of fostering diversity in the aviation industry, noting that inclusive workforces bring fresh perspectives and solutions to complex safety challenges. Keyamo commend initiatives across Africa, such as the Ethiopian Airlines Group’s training of women pilots and engineers, and reaffirm Nigeria’s support for programmes that encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation safety.
“With over 16 million passengers using our airports annually, Nigeria is fully committed to enhancing aviation safety through strategic investments in human capital. Our focus is on continuous professional development, ensuring that our workforce is equipped to adapt to the evolving landscape of aviation safety,” Keyamo add.