Aviation unions in Nigeria have announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest across all airports on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
The protest is in response to the federal government’s decision to impose a 50% reduction in the internally generated revenue (IGR) of key aviation agencies, which the unions argue is crippling the industry.
The unions involved in the protest include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Services Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCCSTRSE).
In a circular dated August 14, 2024, the unions expressed concern that critical safety operations at agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) are being severely impacted by the revenue deductions.
The unions stressed that the agencies are cost-recovery entities, not profit-making organizations, and cannot sustain operations on just 50% of their income.
They warned that if the deductions continue, the aviation industry may become dysfunctional, leading to significant safety risks and operational challenges.
Meanwhile, the planned protests could lead to widespread flight cancellations and delays as aviation workers are expected to participate in the demonstrations.
The unions have called on all their members, including state councils, women commissions, youth councils, and branches nationwide, to mobilize and ensure full compliance with the protest directives.
The unions have made it clear that they will not be held responsible for any breakdown in the functionality of the aviation industry due to the deductions, urging the government to reconsider its position to avoid a potential crisis.
