THE recent Flight Dispatchers Association of Nigeria (FLIDAN) Annual Conference in Lagos revealed alarming concerns about Nigeria’s aviation safety, highlighting that it relies on a fragile, overworked, and undervalued foundation, with the focus historically on pilots and cabin crew.
Stakeholders noted that neglecting the role of flight dispatchers poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s aviation industry, potentially compromising safety and operational efficiency. Addressing
Highlighting serious issues in flight dispatching during a conference presentation, Dr. Alexander Nwuba, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, emphasized the profession’s critical role in flight safety, yet noted that it is often overlooked by domestic operators.
According to Nwuba, in Nigeria, out of approximately 1,500 licensed flight dispatchers, fewer than 500 are employed, which leads to severe exploitation for those who secure jobs. What is more, many licensed professionals lose their credentials due to a lack of employment opportunities, with the average salary for flight dispatchers in Nigeria being around N200,000 (about $130) per month.
“For context, a flight dispatcher is legally co-responsible with the pilot in command for the safety of a flight. They calculate the fuel (“life in the tanks”), analyse severe weather patterns, and ensure absolute regulatory compliance before a wheel ever leaves the tarmac,” he said.
“Flight dispatching is a demanding task that requires meticulous attention to detail, sound decision-making, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations,” he added.
Nwuba e emphasized the unfairness and danger of underpaying dispatchers compared to global standards, highlighting that airlines allegedly enforce secrecy about salaries to prevent collective action.
Tragically, the issue of overwork has manifested in fatal consequences, including the death of a FLIDAN member due to fatigue. Despite regulations like the NCAR 2023, which limits duty time to 10 hours, many dispatchers exceed this during regular operations.
Furthermore, both FLIDAN President Daniel Ayuba and Dr. Nwuba noted the absence of type-ratings on dispatchers’ licenses, which undermines safety, as dispatchers manage various aircraft types.
FLIDAN called for the NCAA to enforce accountability through type-ratings. Nwuba also proposed a five-year development plan aimed at optimizing shift schedules, requiring logbooks for dispatchers, and improving NCAA oversight on salary and duty-time compliance.