Nigerian Air Force Makes History As ATSTC Inaugurates Maiden Bespoke Training For NAMA Cadet ATCOS

Nigerian Air Force Makes History As ATSTC Inaugurates Maiden Bespoke Training For NAMA Cadet ATCOS

On 22 November 2024, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC) Kaduna inaugurated its maiden Air Traffic Control and Surveillance Radar (ACSR) Course, packaged specifically for cadet Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOS) of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). This landmark achievement is indicative of the world-class quality of training and capacity development obtainable at NAF training institutions and facilities.

The 45-week specialised training program, captioned ACSR-3, will transform the 20 cadet ATCOs into certified professionals to boost NAMA’s technical workforce. The inauguration included a baseline assessment, after which each trainee received a tablet preloaded with relevant International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) manuals and documents. The NAF approach to training will undoubtedly foster innovation in capacity building for enhanced Air Traffic Management and Aviation Safety in Nigeria. The ACSR programme is expected to produce 20 ATCOS for NAMA annually.

The ATSTC was established in 2017 to meet the NAF’s need for ATS professionals to support safe, efficient and expeditious conduct of air operations. This aligns with the transformative Command Philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, leveraging the key enabler of deliberate training and mission-oriented force development. The partnership with NAMA now affords the civil aviation sector the opportunity to benefit from the qualitative training for which the NAF is renowned. Thus, the NAF and NAMA are working together to enhance the quality of Air Traffic Management and Aviation Safety in Nigeria.