Air traffic controllers seek state of emergency in sector

Air traffic controllers have called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency over the deplorable state of infrastructure at airports across the country.

Of particular concern to the controllers, under the aegis of Nigeria Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA), is the air navigational facilities at both Lagos and Kano airports, which have been the bane of poor communications between pilots and air controllers.

Besides, the lack of functional towers at Kaduna and Maiduguri airports, coupled with failing runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, also call for concern.

President of NATCA, Victor Eyaru, said at the 45th annual general meeting of the group held at the weekend in Jos, that the poor communication between pilots and controllers in Lagos and Kano airports has remained a nightmare.

Eyaru said that the country is often at the risk of an embarrassment with the poor facilities at two of the busiest airports in the country.He added that though the nation is passing through recession “certain critical infrastructural development that will aid the rendering of compact services must not be overlooked or treated with levity.”

The president also appealed to the government to rebuild the Kaduna and Maiduguri airports control towers that were razed in 2014.Eyaru added that the Abuja airport runway has become a national embarrassment with most foreign airlines having difficulties with it.He said given the international services the runway offers, it deserves an urgent attention.