Aviation workers’ unions have announced plans to close all airports nationwide starting September 18. This action comes in response to the Federal Government’s refusal to reverse a 50 percent deduction policy affecting the internally generated revenues of key aviation agencies.
The strike notice was issued on Thursday and signed by several union leaders, including Ocheme Aba (General Secretary, National Union of Air Transport Employees), Frances Akinjole (Deputy General Secretary, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria), Abdul Rasaq (Secretary General, ANAP), Olayinka Abioye (General Secretary, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers), and Sikiru Waheed (General Secretary, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees).
The unions are demanding the cessation of revenue deductions from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
Originally introduced in October 2022 with a 25 percent deduction, the policy was increased to 40 percent and then to 50 percent by President Bola Tinubu in January 2024.
The unions have expressed concerns that the financial strain from these deductions is compromising critical safety functions within these agencies. They have warned that they will not be held accountable if the aviation sector becomes dysfunctional due to these financial constraints.
The unions’ statement highlights their frustration with the government’s failure to acknowledge that these agencies are cost-recovery entities rather than profit-making organizations. They stress that the continued deductions jeopardize the agencies’ ability to operate effectively.
The unions are mobilizing their members nationwide for a peaceful protest to ensure compliance and success. They emphasize that all state councils, women’s commissions, youth councils, and branch members must fully support the strike to address the ongoing issues.
