Aviation unions across Nigeria have announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest on September 18, 2024, in response to the Federal Government’s deduction of 50% from the internally generated revenue (IGR) of key aviation agencies. The unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), are demanding an end to the deductions, citing a threat to critical safety and operational activities.
In their joint statement, the unions explained that the affected agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), are cost-recovery organizations rather than profit-making entities. They argue that the 50% deduction makes it impossible for these agencies to function effectively.
The unions stated that all efforts to urge the government to stop the deductions had been unsuccessful, leading to their decision to proceed with the peaceful protest. They warned that critical safety activities in the sector were already grinding to a halt due to the financial constraints imposed by the deductions. Furthermore, they noted that the Minister of Aviation’s earlier ultimatum to resolve the issue had expired at the end of August 2024.
“All workers are hereby directed to embark on peaceful protests at all airports nationwide on the 18th of September 2024,” the unions declared. “We cannot bear the responsibility for any dysfunction in the aviation industry that may result from financial incapacity caused by the deductions.”
In response, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, acknowledged the unions’ concerns and scheduled a meeting with union leaders on September 17, 2024, to discuss the issue. In a statement, Keyamo emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was aware of the situation and working diligently to resolve it. He urged the unions to reconsider their planned protest and give dialogue a chance, expressing confidence that a mutually beneficial solution could be reached.
“We understand the strain this has placed on the sector’s ability to address critical safety and operational needs, and we take these concerns very seriously,” Keyamo said. “The government is committed to ensuring that the aviation sector continues to operate efficiently and safely.”
He appealed to the unions for patience and understanding, noting that the scheduled meeting would provide an open platform for discussion and allow time for the government to intervene and address the unions’ concerns comprehensively.
As the protest date approaches, the unions remain steadfast in their demands, while the Minister’s appeal is seen as a last-ditch effort to avoid widespread disruption across Nigeria’s airports. The outcome of the meeting on September 17 will likely determine whether the planned protest will go ahead as scheduled.
