Speaking at the association’s Lagos Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM), NAAE President, Mr. Seizling Miri, expressed deep concern over the persistent neglect of critical engineering needs in Nigeria’s aviation sector. According to Miri, while the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has made commendable efforts, these are not enough to support the technical workforce in delivering at full capacity.
“Our performance is being hindered not by lack of expertise, but by a lack of equipment,” Miri stated. “In the field, I’ve seen our foreign partners use tools that seem almost magical in how effectively they work. These aren’t miracles — they simply have access to the right tools.”
He described the lack of basic operational resources, including functional vehicles, as particularly shameful. Recounting a recent experience in Jos, Miri said the condition of the available operational vehicle was so deplorable, it was unfit even for animals, and still failed to start without extensive manual intervention.
“This has been a long-standing challenge,” he noted. “My predecessor spent five years fighting for operational vehicles, and now, in my third year as president, we are still crying out for the same thing. There are no functional vehicles in Jos and many other locations — this severely limits our effectiveness.”
Engineers Overstretched, Morale Dwindling
Beyond equipment and transportation, Miri highlighted a growing crisis of understaffing. He explained that engineers are often stretched thin, working back-to-back shifts and covering duties beyond their limits. This, he warned, compromises safety and performance in a highly sensitive sector like aviation.
“You cannot expect excellence from people who are overworked, under-equipped, and underappreciated,” he said. “We need a functional work environment: adequate staffing, modern tools, operational vehicles, and fair remuneration.”
Miri also underscored the importance of mental and physical well-being for engineers to be productive and innovative. “No one can think straight on an empty stomach,” he added pointedly. “Engineers must be in the right frame of mind to solve problems — this begins with proper support from management.”
A Call to Action
The NAAE president called on NAMA and other stakeholders to take urgent steps to improve working conditions for air traffic engineers. He stressed that meaningful progress in the aviation sector hinges on investment in its technical workforce.
“We're not asking for luxury — we are asking for the basic tools to do our jobs effectively,” Miri concluded. “Empower us with the right environment, and we will deliver the excellence this sector so badly needs.”
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the NAAE’s call serves as a timely reminder that behind every safe landing and coordinated flight path are engineers who need support to keep Nigeria’s skies safe and efficient.