Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has warned that Africa’s aviation future could face major safety setbacks if governments and industry leaders fail to invest heavily in skilled personnel to manage the continent’s rapidly increasing air traffic.
Keyamo delivered the caution on Monday in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, while declaring open the 36th International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting.
Addressing the theme of the gathering, “Securing the Skies: Strengthening ATM Capacity through Strategic Recruitment, Training, and Retention,” the Minister noted that while African States have made notable progress in adopting new aviation technologies, the continent still significantly lags behind in human capital investment — which he described as the true backbone of airspace safety.
“As air traffic volumes rise and operations become more complex, the need for highly trained, properly supported, and adequately remunerated Air Traffic Controllers is becoming urgent,” Keyamo said. “Technology is critical — but it is still people who ultimately ensure that aircraft do not collide, that runway incursions are avoided, and that passengers arrive safely at their destinations.”
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to expanding the nation’s aviation manpower capacity through its 5-Point Aviation Agenda.
He disclosed that through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigeria is:
Scaling up modernisation of its Communication, Navigation and Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS / ATM) infrastructure.
Widening access to structured training pipelines for air traffic controllers and implementing mental health support programmes to safeguard ATC productivity and fitness.
Keyamo said Nigeria is also strengthening regional collaboration with bodies such as BAGASOO — to accelerate ANSP certification, harmonise oversight systems, and drive consistent safety culture across the continent.
He stressed that the non-physical nature of airspace demands stronger cooperation across borders, because “African skies are interconnected — and a weakness anywhere puts everyone at risk”.
“We must continue to work as one ecosystem — governments, regulators, ANSPs, unions and professional bodies like IFATCA. Our individual actions have continental consequences. We cannot afford silos,” he added.
The Minister commended IFATCA leadership for consistently championing professional development and global safety standards for air traffic controllers, and thanked the Zimbabwean Government for its hospitality and seamless hosting of the regional event.
The event was attended by top African aviation ministers and officials including: Hon. Felix Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development of Zimbabwe; Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, Republic of Ghana; Gen. (Rtd.) Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport (represented by Ms Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy DG, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority); Ms Helena Sjöström Falk, President of IFATCA; and Mr Ahmad Abba, Executive Vice President IFATCA Africa & Middle East.
Keyamo concluded by urging all participants not to allow the conference to end with speeches, but with actionable commitments that will translate directly into safer skies.
“This gathering must not be a ceremonial meeting. It must become a defining moment – when Africa decided to seriously invest in the men and women who keep our skies safe,” he said. “Let the outcomes of this conference shape a future where Africa’s aviation is stronger, safer and totally prepared for the skies of tomorrow.”
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