The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has called on the Plateau State government to prioritize the construction of airports, emphasizing that the move would catalyze tourism, logistics, and trade development in Nigeria’s leading tourist destination.
Speaking at the 4th Quadrennial Delegates Conference in Jos, ATSSSAN President Comrade Ahmadu Illitrus highlighted the untapped potential in the state due to lack of airports, noting that the Heipang – Yakuba Gowon Airport also lacks adequate infrastructure. He therefore urged the translation of the state’s aviation investment plans into tangible action.
Illitrus recalled Plateau State’s history of aviation scholarships in the 1980s, when the state sponsored students to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, and proposed a civil aviation career exposition with the government to raise awareness among local students on aviation industry prospects: “ATSSSAN will collaborate with the state government to conduct a career exposition, creating awareness amongst students and primary school pupils,” he stated.
The ATSSSAN President also lauded the union’s financial prudence, using savings to settle workers’ gratuities, including those who resigned for career growth or after dedicated service.
Plateau State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, affirmed the conference theme, “Human Capital Needs of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects,” as timely. She stressed that Nigeria’s competitiveness hinges on aviation human capital quality and development, and urged delegates to strengthen strategies for safety, service, labour relations, and tech advancement: “This gathering presents an opportunity to evaluate progress and chart new pathways,” Piyo said, commending ATSSSAN’s commitment to a resilient, future-ready aviation sector.
