NAMA mourns as Air Traffic Controller, slumps, dies at Abuja …

By KAYODE OYERO

An air traffic controller, Aniekan Effiong, on Monday, slumped and died at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, The PUNCH has learnt.

Effiong, who was until his death, an Assistant General Manager, Operations, with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, was said to have died at the Abuja station of the agency around 4am on Monday.

It was learnt that he resumed work on Sunday evening and was supposed to close on Monday morning before he experienced breathing difficulty and passed on.

NAMA, in a statement on Monday, confirmed the development, describing the deceased as a “hardworking and dedicated staff who died at the prime of his career”.

The statement signed by NAMA General Manager, Public Affairs, Khalid Emele, was titled, ‘Demise Of Nama Air Traffic Controller (Aniekan Inuk Effiong)’.

It read, “The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency hereby announces with utmost grief, the passing of Mr Aniekan Inuk Effiong, an air traffic controller with the agency, at Abuja station, today, the 22nd of November, 2021. Until his death, late Effiong was an Assistant General Manager, Operations.

“Mr Effiong reported to duty at the Abuja Approach Radar Control on the 21st of November 2021 (Sunday) at 6pm without any sign of illness whatsoever. He was to close by 7am the next day (today).

“However, at about 4am this morning, he experienced difficulty in breathing. FAAN (Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria) ambulance was called to evacuate him to the nearest medical facility. He was immediately taken to the Air Force base clinic where he died.

“Mr Effiong was a hardworking and dedicated staff who died at the prime of his career. He will be missed by the entire NAMA community. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.” (The PUNCH)