The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has urged the Plateau State Government to invest in airport development as a strategic move to accelerate economic growth, enhance tourism, and improve trade and logistics across the state.
The President of ATSSSAN, Comrade Ahmadu Ilitrus, made the call while addressing delegates at the 4th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the union, held in Jos, Plateau State.
He said Plateau remains one of Nigeria’s leading tourist destinations and would benefit significantly from improved aviation infrastructure if the right investments are put in place.
Ilitrus noted that while the state government has indicated interest in investing in aviation and allied ventures, there is a need to translate such plans into concrete action for the overall development of the state and the wellbeing of its people.
According to him, there are untapped opportunities in the civil aviation infrastructure at Heipang – Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, which could be expanded and repositioned to support tourism, logistics, and commercial activities.
The ATSSSAN President also pledged the union’s readiness to partner with the Plateau State Government to organise a civil aviation career exposition, aimed at creating awareness among secondary school students and primary school pupils on career opportunities in the aviation industry.
He recalled that in the early 1980s, the Plateau State Government operated an aviation scholarship scheme that sponsored qualified indigenes to study at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, adding that the positive impact of the initiative is still evident today.
Ilitrus said it was the success of those earlier programmes that motivated ATSSSAN to once again approach the state government for support and partnership, noting that the proposed career exposition would inspire young people and help build the next generation of aviation professionals in Plateau State.
He further highlighted ATSSSAN’s commitment to accountability and staff welfare, revealing that through prudent financial management and strict fiscal discipline, the union was able to save enough resources to fully liquidate the gratuities of all secretariat staff. He explained that the beneficiaries included staff who voluntarily resigned in pursuit of higher callings as well as those who exited after long years of dedicated service.
In her remarks, Plateau State Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, described the conference theme — “Human Capital Needs of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects” as timely and strategic.
She said Nigeria’s ability to remain competitive and meet international standards in the rapidly evolving aviation sector depends largely on the quality, competence, and continuous development of its human capital.
“This conference provides an important platform to evaluate progress, strengthen strategies, and chart new pathways that will improve safety, service delivery, labour relations, and technological advancement across the aviation sector”, she said.
Piyo commended ATSSSAN for its consistency and leadership, noting that the quality of deliberations at the conference reflects a strong commitment to building a more efficient, resilient, and future-ready aviation industry for Nigeria.