NAF Empowers NAMA With Elite Air Traffic , Radar Training To Secure Nigeria’s Skies

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), via its Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC), has bolstered Nigeria’s airspace safety through the graduation of 20 Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) cadets from the inaugural Air Control and Surveillance Radar Course (ACSR 1/2024).

Joining them were 29 Non-Commissioned Officers who completed the Air Traffic Control Assistant/Base Operations Upgrading Course 9/2026. The ceremony took place on April 17, 2026, at the ATSTC Parade Ground, drawing senior military leaders and civil aviation experts.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by Chief of Training Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Yusuf Dari, stressed the need for ongoing NAF-NAMA collaboration.

NAMA’s Managing Director Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, via Alhaji Sa’id Musa, praised the partnership for filling critical gaps in air traffic control.

The rigorous programs—65 weeks for ACSR and 4 weeks for the upgrading course—equipped participants with skills in aerodrome control, approach procedural control, and cutting-edge surveillance radar.

These boost civil aviation efficiency while aiding counter-insurgency and security ops through better situational awareness and response.

Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command Air Vice Marshal EP Efanga highlighted training’s role in military-civil synergy.

ATSTC Commandant Air Vice Marshal NB Folaji lauded the graduates’ discipline, reaffirming the centre’s excellence under Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) accreditation.

This aligns with Air Marshal Aneke’s vision for a tech-savvy air force. Deputy Commandant Group Captain US Maibuhu gave the vote of thanks, cementing NAF’s role in security and development.