Few hours after Aviation Workers’ Unions decided to embark on a peaceful protest at all Airports nationwide due to deduction of 50% from their internally generated revenue, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has appealed to Aviation Workers’ Unions to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the government is resolving the matter.
The workers of Nigeria 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 Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) according to a letter titled ‘SAVE AVIATION FROM COLLAPSE -NOTICE OF NATIONWIDE PROTEST’, issued by the agencies revealed that all efforts on their parts have failed to make the Federal Government understand that all the agencies are cost recovery and not profit making organizations as they cannot survive on half of their incomes under any model of Administration or any guise whatsoever.
In a Press Statement issued by Festus Keyamo on 16th August, 2024, he explained that the concerns of the workers, especially regarding the negative impact these deductions have on investment, maintenance of critical infrastructure, and overall operations of the Agencies, have been duly noted.
“We understand the significance of the issues raised and recognize the vital role that our aviation workforce plays in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth operation of the industry. The Ministry is committed to addressing these challenges in a manner that ensures the continued viability and sustainability of the sector while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery”
“The Honourable Minister wishes to assure the workers’ Unions and other stakeholders that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very concerned about improvement of the Aviation sector and will give their demands due consideration with the goal of finding a lasting solution that balances both the fiscal needs of the government and the operational requirements of the Aviation Agencies”
“We appeal to all workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the Government is working assiduously towards amicably resolving the matter. The Ministry appreciates their patience and understanding and remains committed to ensuring a conducive work environment for all”
“We thank the workers for their understanding and continued dedication to the aviation sector” he wrote .
