Amidst the ongoing dispute between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigeria Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA), President, Mr. Abayomi Agoro, has urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to step in.
Expressing concern, Agoro warned that any recurrence of Aviation Security (AVSEC), of FAAN department, locking out Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) or other NAMA staff might lead to industrial unrest.
The recent incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport involved the locking out of 20 NAMA staff including some ATCs and agency staff due to allegedly expired On-Duty-Cards (ODCs).
Aside from the ATCs, NAMA’s operational vehicles were also denied access to restricted areas, causing flight delays and leaving passengers stranded.
Agoro emphasized that the renewal of ODCs lies with FAAN, urging the ministry to intervene by establishing a committee.
He appealed to FAAN to consult its database for ODCs and ensure timely processing to avoid such disruptions.
Highlighting that this is not the first instance of staff being locked out over ODC issues, Agoro called for a permanent solution.
He urged FAAN to fulfill its responsibility of providing unhindered access to workplaces and suggested a ministry-led investigation into FAAN and NAMA operations to prevent future incidents.
