Aniekan Inuk Effiong, an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, is dead.
Effiong, who was an official of the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) and in his early 40s, reportedly slumped while at his duty post at the approach radar of the Lagos airport and died.
His death occurred in the early hours of Monday.
Though there is no official confirmation of his death yet, a source stated that the deceased slumped but because of vehicular restrictions to the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) site, he could not be rushed to the hospital.
The source noted that “before they could get a vehicle and rush him to the hospital he passed on. I wish to appeal to the authorities particularly his immediate constituency NAMA, the magnanimous Minister and DG NCAA to please come to the immediate aid of his young family with the hope also that he will be compensated adequately to encourage others.
“While doing all these, may I appeal that the restriction of vehicle to the TRACON site be reviewed immediately while stress test carried out on the surviving ones.
“I humbly submit and seek for prayers for God to forgive his shortcomings and accept him in his bosom.”
About two weeks ago, an ATC staff died, bringing to two the death of two key technical staff of NAMA within the space of two weeks.
The first deceased, Mr. Francis Anwetin, the ATC Operations Manager at Asaba Airport was hit by a vehicle on close of business.
He reportedly died on the spot right in front of the airport gate.
There has been reported dearth of ATCs in NAMA, prompting the management to even recall some officials from retirement.
Officials say the loss of the two ATCs have further depleted the rank of Air Traffic Controllers in the aviation sector.