Nigeria has marked a major milestone on the international aviation stage, as members of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) were elected into three influential standing committees of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) during its 64th Annual Conference, held from April 28 to May 2, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This triple-election into the Constitution and Administration Committee (CAC), the Professional and Legal Committee (PLC), and the Technical and Operations Committee (TOC) not only reinforces Nigeria’s growing credibility in international aviation but also affirms global confidence in the technical expertise and leadership capacity of Nigerian professionals. It also signals the country’s rising influence in shaping global regulatory and operational frameworks within the air traffic management space.
Ahmad Abba, Executive Vice President of IFATCA’s Africa and Middle East (AFM) Region and Director of Special Duties at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), led the Nigerian delegation to the conference. He described the elections as a reflection of Nigeria’s depth of technical knowledge, professionalism, and long-term commitment to the advancement of aviation standards worldwide. In addition to committee roles, Nigerian delegates also earned seats on strategic IFATCA taskforces, further embedding the country within global aviation decision-making structures.
The conference itself served as a critical platform for dialogue, cooperation, and innovation among air traffic control professionals from across the world. Under Abba’s coordination, the Africa and Middle East region, particularly Nigeria, stood out with remarkable visibility, leadership, and strategic engagement. Participants noted the AFM region’s unity and achievements, which included the historic admission of Chad and Congo Brazzaville into IFATCA—an important step in expanding the Federation’s footprint in Central Africa.
Another landmark moment came with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IFATCA and FACAA (Fédération des Associations des Contrôleurs Aériens de l’ASECNA), laying the groundwork for deeper regional collaboration on air traffic safety, policy reform, and technical cooperation.
One of the most pivotal outcomes of the conference was the unveiling of the IFATCA AFM Strategic Plan 2025–2027, presented by Ahmad Abba. The forward-looking document outlines a comprehensive framework to elevate training standards, foster regional collaboration, build institutional capacity, and strengthen member associations across Africa and the Middle East. It aligns closely with global best practices in air traffic management while addressing regional specificities.
Abba emphasized that the strategic milestones achieved by NATCA are directly aligned with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo’s 5-point aviation agenda, which aims to position Nigeria as an aviation hub of international repute. “By amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the global stage and expanding its technical influence through IFATCA’s governance structures, NATCA’s engagement directly supports the Honourable Minister’s vision of transforming Nigeria into an aviation hub with globally competitive standards,” Abba said.
NATCA delegates played an active role in key committee deliberations and policy sessions, demonstrating Nigeria’s institutional strength and commitment to raising the bar in global aviation practices. The conference also acknowledged the contributions of volunteers and Member Associations from the AFM region, whose dedication continues to drive IFATCA’s mission forward.
Looking ahead, the momentum generated in Abu Dhabi is expected to carry through to future engagements, with the next AFM regional meeting scheduled for Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in November 2025. Uganda has also been announced as the host for the 2027 IFATCA Annual Conference—bringing the prestigious event back to African soil for the first time in nearly a decade.
As Nigeria continues to lead from the front, its aviation professionals are now deeply woven into the fabric of IFATCA’s global leadership, setting the stage for transformational growth in air traffic management across the continent.
