Govt Mulls 65 Years Retirement Age For Air Traffic Controllers

The federal government is seeking to review the retirement age of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) in the country to 65 years to bridge the manpower gaps in the country’s airspace management and development.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who revealed this on Tuesday, said the retirement age would be reviewed upward to ensure experienced hands and personnel are maximised and allowed to pass their experience to the younger generation.

While opening the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in Abuja, Keyamo said the ministry would work with the relevant authorities to ensure a successful review.

Describing NATCA as the ‘apple of the eye of aviation, ‘ Keyamo assured them of the necessary support to function effectively as they are in charge of the safety of the skies.

“I listened to his speech on air traffic controllers’ retirement age. I think I am convinced it is something I can take up”

The minister argued that if pilots can fly at the age of 65, there is no reason why the air traffic controllers should not push for 65 years as retirement age.

Keyamo assured them that he would meet with the ministry’s permanent secretary to carefully study it and get approval for the upward review.

He noted that the country was short on air traffic controllers and that the gap needs to be filled.

Air traffic controllers have been pushing for 65 years as retirement age.

In his welcome address, NATCA president Amos Edino revealed that the wave of retirements, the migration of skilled professionals abroad and inter-agency transfers driven by the search for better opportunities have greatly affected their performance.

According to him, current projections indicate that if decisive measures are not taken, the air traffic controller workforce could decline sharply by 2030, despite the expected growth in national aviation activities, potentially widening the manpower gap by up to 70 per cent.

He then called for a review and upward adjustment of the retirement age for air traffic controllers to 65, aligning with other critical professions.

Edino revealed that over 300 controllers benefited from the first-ever domestic training programmes initiated in Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

He also stated that the long-awaited salary adjustment for air traffic controllers in NAMA was signed in August 2025 and commenced implementation in September.

“This landmark achievement should, in due course, be extended to other agencies housing air traffic controllers, ensuring equity and uniform recognition of our professional value across the aviation sector,” he said.

Edino further revealed that NAMA Management, through the Directorate of Air Traffic Services (DATS), had commenced the distribution of secured warm clothing for air traffic controllers.

He also highlighted the challenges faced by air traffic controllers, including persistent manpower shortages which, he remarked, continue to impact the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of air navigation services.