Passengers Abandoned as Aviation Unions Begin Strike

The Aviation Unions have launched a two-day warning strike, disrupting industry activity today. The Unions members have blocked access to the domestic terminal at Murtala Muhammad Airport, leaving many passengers stranded. The strike occurred after a conference convened by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) ended in a deadlock with the Trade Unions insisting on continuing the strike.

Civil Aviation Authority, Director-General, Captain. Musa Nuhu called a meeting to persuade the union to cancel their two-day warning strike, which union officials were due to attend.

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The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr Emmanuel Meribole was also at the meeting.

The unions comprise the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN); the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP).

They are demanding, among others, that the planned demolition of aviation agencies’ headquarters in Lagos be halted. They are also advocating the implementation of conditions of service signed with the staff of the aviation agencies.

Many airlines were initially hopeful that the meeting would be able to resolve the issues. Additionally, they hoped the unions would reach an agreement with the Federal Government.

But the Deputy General Secretary of ATSSSAN, Comrade Frances Akinjole in a short interview with our correspondent last night after the meeting said-

, “As I am talking to you, nothing has changed. If you don’t hear anything from the General Secretary, the strike continues.”

He later followed up with a text message, saying-

“The strike goes as planned.”

A top Airline Chief said-

“We are hopeful that it would be resolved later tonight, otherwise we are carrying on as if everything is going to be normal because you can’t stop your operation.”

But the strike has since commenced across all airports in Nigeria with many passengers stranded. Many of the passengers were seen trekking to the airport. This is because the unions blocked exits to the domestic terminal one and the MMA2.

Security operatives, including police and military officers, are on the ground as the unions sing solidarity songs.

cc: Daily Trust Ng