In response to the indefinite strike called by organized labour, aviation unions have instructed their members to stop working at all airports across Nigeria. This action aligns with the broader labour movement’s demands for better conditions and reflects the unity among various sectors in the country.
The unions involved in this directive include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE). These unions held an emergency meeting on Sunday, June 2, and issued a joint statement signed by their leaders: Comrade Ocheme Aba, General Secretary of NUATE; Comrade Frances Akinjole, Deputy General Secretary of ATSSSAN; Comrade Abdul Rasaq Saidu, Secretary General of ANAP; and Comrade Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary of NAAPE.
In the statement, the unions directed all their branches to comply with the strike action, starting at 12:00 am on Monday, June 3. This means that aviation services, which are crucial for both domestic and international travel, will be halted indefinitely.
The statement reads:
“In compliance with the directive from our labour centres—Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria—we hereby inform the general public, aviation service providers, airline operators, aviation businesses, and all aviation workers nationwide that starting from 0000hrs of June 3, 2024, all services at all Nigerian airports shall be fully withdrawn till further notice.
Being aware that many international flights to Nigeria are already airborne, the strike action will commence at international terminals on the 4th of June, 2024. All aviation workers should recognize the seriousness of this struggle and comply unfailingly. All branch officers of our unions shall ensure full compliance at all airports.”
This directive means that as of the early hours of June 3, airport operations across Nigeria will come to a standstill, significantly affecting travel plans for many passengers. While domestic flights will be impacted immediately, international flights will begin to feel the effects starting June 4.
The unions are standing firm in their commitment to the strike, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among aviation workers and the need for a unified response. They are calling on all members to adhere strictly to the strike order, ensuring that the withdrawal of services is complete and effective across all airports in the country.
This strike is part of a larger movement spearheaded by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), which are pushing for improvements in labour conditions and other demands. The aviation sector, being vital to the economy and everyday life, has now become a significant part of this broader struggle.
For travelers, this means a period of uncertainty as flights will be canceled or rescheduled, and airport operations will be severely disrupted. Airlines and other aviation-related businesses will also feel the impact, as the halt in services will likely lead to significant financial losses and operational challenges.
