President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a significant reduction in the deductions from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of government aviation agencies, lowering it from 50 percent to 20 percent. This decision comes in response to concerns raised by aviation workers and unions about the negative impact of the previous policy on the operational efficiency and financial stability of these agencies.
Aviation unions, representing employees of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), had threatened nationwide protests over the 50 percent deduction. The unions argued that such a policy undermined the agencies’ ability to maintain critical infrastructure, invest in necessary upgrades, and ensure smooth airport operations.
The protests were expected to disrupt airport operations across the country as workers sought to express their frustration and demand a policy reversal. In a joint statement, union leaders, including Ocheme Aba (General Secretary of NUATE), Abdul Rasaq Saidu (Secretary General of ANAP), Sikiru Waheed (General Secretary of AUPCTRE), Frances Akinjole (Deputy General Secretary of ATSSSAN), and Olayinka Abioye (General Secretary of NAAPE), emphasized the importance of restoring financial stability to the aviation sector.
Responding to these concerns, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, acknowledged the workers’ grievances and assured them that their demands were being given due consideration. He emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the issues in a manner that balances the fiscal needs of the government with the operational requirements of aviation agencies. Keyamo highlighted the critical role of the aviation workforce in ensuring safety, efficiency, and smooth operations within the sector.
Gbenga Saka, Special Adviser on Digital Media to the Minister, confirmed the President’s approval of the reduction in a statement shared on social media. Saka noted that this move aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the aviation sector and finding a lasting solution to the challenges faced by the industry. He added that the decision reflects the government’s dedication to creating a conducive work environment for aviation employees while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery.
The ministry also urged workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace as the government works towards an amicable resolution. The approval of the reduction is expected to ease the financial constraints on agencies like NAMA, which had previously called for a reversal of the 50 percent deduction, citing difficulties in maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure under the former policy.
This decision marks a significant step toward ensuring the sustainability and viability of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
