Keyamo canvasses strategic investment in human capital to secure Africa’s ski
There is urgent need for African nations to strengthen their Air Traffic Management (ATM) capacity through strategic recruitment, training, and retention of skilled personnel to ensure safer skies across the continent.
The position was canvassed by the Nigeria Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Barrister Festus Keyamo SAN while delivering his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 36th International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) Africa & Middle East Regional Meeting holding in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe,.
Keyamo who highlighted the critical role of human capacity development in advancing airspace safety and operational efficiency., noted that as air traffic continues to expand aacross Africa therefore emphasised that he demand for well-trained and well-motivated Air Traffic Controllers has reached an unprecedented level.
Speaking under the conference theme — “Securing the Skies: Strengthening ATM Capacity through Strategic Recruitment, Training, and Retention
“Across our region, we face rising complexity in operations and higher expectations from the travelling public. To meet these challenges, we must invest not only in technology, but — even more importantly — in people. It is the professionalism, alertness, and dedication of Air Traffic Controllers that keep millions of passengers safe every single day,” Keyamo stated.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening aviation safety and human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through a comprehensive 5-Point Aviation Agenda.
The Minister disclosed that through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Government is: Modernizing its Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems; expanding training pipelines for air traffic controllers; and institutionalizing programmes that support mental wellbeing and peer mentorship.
Keyamo also underscored Nigeria’s growing collaboration with BAGASOO and other regional institutions to fast-track ANSP certification, enhance safety oversight, and instill a robust safety culture across all facets of aviation operations.
“We must remember that aviation is a shared ecosystem. Its strength lies in collaboration — among States, regulators, ANSPs, and professional bodies like IFATCA. Our skies know no borders; therefore, our success must also be borderless — built on shared knowledge, shared responsibility, and shared resolve,” the Minister added.
He commended IFATCA for its unwavering commitment to professionalism and for serving as a strong advocate for air traffic controllers worldwide. Keyamo also expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Zimbabwe, particularly his counterpart, the Honourable Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona for the hospitality extended to all delegates and the excellent organization of the meeting.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries including: Hon. Felix Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development of Zimbabwe; Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Ghana, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe; Minister of Works and Transport of the Republic of Uganda Gen. (Rtd.) Edward Katumba Wamala, represented by Deputy DG, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya.
Others are, President of IFATCA, Ms. Helena Sjöström Falk and Executive Vice President, IFATCA Africa & Middle East, Mr. Ahmad Abba, among others.
Concluding his address, the Aviation Minister called on all stakeholders to leave the conference with renewed determination to build a resilient, highly skilled, and motivated workforce capable of managing the complex skies of tomorrow with excellence, cooperation, and care.
“May our deliberations here translate into real actions that enhance capacity, strengthen cooperation, and secure a brighter future for aviation in Africa and the Middle East,” he concluded.
