The aviation workers warned that the aviation industry could become dysfunctional if the deductions continue, and emphasized that they would not be held responsible for any resulting safety issues.
Abuja, Nigeria – Aviation workers in Nigeria have announced plans to stage a nationwide strike on August 21, 2024, in response to the Federal Government’s continued deduction of 50% from the internally generated revenue of key aviation agencies.
The aviation workers, represented by various unions, expressed concerns that these deductions are compromising critical safety activities within the industry.
The unions disclosed their decision in a letter dated August 14, 2024, titled “Save Aviation From Collapse.” The letter, which was shared with journalists, directed all workers of the affected agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Services Agency (NiMet), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), to participate in peaceful protests at airports across the country.
The unions argued that the deductions are putting immense financial strain on these agencies, which are already operating as cost-recovery organizations rather than profit-making entities.
The aviation workers warned that the aviation industry could become dysfunctional if the deductions continue, and emphasized that they would not be held responsible for any resulting safety issues.
“Information available to us indicates that some important safety-critical activities of the agencies are grinding to a halt under the yoke of the deductions,” the unions stated. “It has therefore become incumbent on us as trade unions and workers in aviation to let the public and the government be aware that we shall bear no responsibility in the certain event that the industry becomes dysfunctional as a result of financial incapacity due to the deductions at source.”
In preparation for the protest, the unions have directed all state councils, women’s commissions, youth councils, and branches of their unions nationwide to fully mobilize and ensure widespread participation.
However, the NCAA has called for caution, warning that the strike could severely disrupt flight operations across the country. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, expressed concerns about the potential impact on airport services.
“If service providers go on strike, automatically our operations will be affected. Who will service the airlines in that place?” Achimugu said. He added that the unions had provided ample notice of the protest and expressed hope that the aviation minister would engage in dialogue to address their concerns.
Nnadi Hector, Forum Secretary of the Joint Aviation Trade Unions Forum, reiterated that the protest is intended to draw the government’s attention to the negative impact of the deductions on the aviation industry, emphasizing that it is not a protest against President Bola Tinubu.
“Several times we have met with the minister. It is not a protest against President Bola Tinubu. It is a protest to draw their attention. There is nothing like Nigerian aviation. Aviation is a global sector, and we have global standards that regulate us,” Hector said.
Join our Channel...