The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced the death of one of its Air Traffic Controllers (ATCO), Aniekan Effiong, while on duty on Monday.

Khalid Emele, NAMA spokesperson, confirmed the sad news in a statement in Lagos on Monday.

Mr Emele said Mr Effiong died on duty at the approach radar control site of NAMA Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The ATC officer, until his death was an Assistant General Manager, Operations at NAMA.

The statement described the NAMA official as a “hardworking and dedicated staff who died at the prime of his career.”

Continuing, it said “Effiong reported to duty at the Abuja Approach Radar Control (TRACON) on Nov. 21 at 6p.m. without any sign of illness whatsoever.

“He was to close by 7a.m. the next day (Monday). However, at about 4 a.m. this morning, he experienced difficulty in breathing.

“FAAN ambulance was called to evacuate him to the nearest medical facility. He was immediately taken to the Air Force Base clinic where he died.

“Effiong was a hardworking and dedicated staff who died at the prime of his career. He will be missed by the entire NAMA community,” said the statement.

(NAN)