Nigeria has recorded a major win in the global aviation space as three members of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association were elected into critical standing committees of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations.

The feat was achieved during its 64th Annual Conference held from April 28 and concluded on May 2, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The elected representatives will now serve on IFATCA’s Constitution and Administration Committee, the Professional and Legal Committee, and the Technical and Operations Committee.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice President of IFATCA for the Africa and Middle East region, Ahmad Abba, said the achievement underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global aviation governance.

Abba, who is also the Director of Special Duties at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, stressed that “this triple election is a clear demonstration of international confidence in the competence and professionalism of Nigerian air traffic controllers.”

He added that NATCA members also secured positions in high-impact task forces focused on policy reform and aviation safety.

He also said the conference marked several milestones for the AFM region, including the admission of Chad and Congo Brazzaville into IFATCA, extending the federation’s reach within Central Africa.

According to Abba, a significant highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IFATCA and the Fédération des Associations des Contrôleurs Aériens de l’ASECNA, paving the way for deeper regional collaboration.

In line with Nigeria’s aviation development goals, Abba emphasized that the strides made at the conference align with the five-point agenda of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

He said, “By amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the international stage and expanding our technical influence, these gains directly support the Honourable Minister’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a competitive global aviation hub,” he stated.

A key outcome of the conference was the unveiling of the IFATCA AFM Strategic Plan 2025–2027, presented by Abba.

“The forward-looking plan outlines initiatives to enhance professional development, build institutional capacity, and uphold high safety standards, all while promoting regional cooperation and alignment with global best practices,” Abba explained.

However, the next IFATCA AFM regional meeting will be held in November 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, Uganda has been announced to host the 2027 IFATCA Annual Conference, bringing the global aviation event back to African soil for the first time in nearly a decade.