Labour Groups Threaten Aviation Sector Lockdown Over Wage Impasse

Tensions have escalated in Nigeria’s aviation industry as workers’ unions threaten to ground operations nationwide over unresolved salary disputes with government agencies and private operators. The unions, comprising aviation workers under various affiliations, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and others, have issued a warning that industrial action may commence if their longstanding wage concerns are not urgently addressed.

According to union representatives, staff across the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) are aggrieved over salary stagnation, non-payment of allowances, and alleged poor welfare conditions. Workers claim that despite several rounds of negotiations and promises from both government officials and management of relevant agencies, there has been no tangible improvement in their compensation.

Speaking in Lagos, a senior official of ATSSSAN accused the Ministry of Aviation of neglecting its responsibilities toward the workforce. He noted that workers were becoming increasingly frustrated with what he described as a lack of commitment to fulfilling financial obligations, even after policy reviews and internal audits that validated their demands.

The unions have also expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of the revised salary structure, which they said was approved over a year ago but has not been fully effected. Many of the affected workers, particularly those in middle and lower-level roles, lament that inflation and rising living costs have eroded their take-home pay, leaving them unable to meet basic needs.

In a joint statement issued after an emergency meeting, the unions emphasized that while they remain open to dialogue, continued silence or delays by aviation authorities would not be tolerated. “We cannot continue to work under these exploitative conditions,” the statement read. “If the issues of harmonised salary payments, outstanding arrears, and welfare packages are not resolved, we will have no choice but to withdraw services across all airports.”

Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the potential economic and logistical impacts of such an industrial action, especially at a time when passenger traffic is gradually rebounding following global disruptions. A shutdown of airport operations could cripple local and international flights, affect cargo handling, and delay business activities tied to air travel.

The Ministry of Aviation, in response, acknowledged receipt of the unions’ grievances and assured that the issues raised were being reviewed. A spokesperson for the ministry stated that meetings had been scheduled with relevant bodies, including the Budget Office and Salaries and Wages Commission, to address the concerns in line with fiscal provisions and broader public service rules.

However, union leaders argue that the government has had sufficient time to act, having received several memoranda and petitions over the past year. They insist that the current round of engagement must produce clear timelines and concrete outcomes, failing which they will proceed with the planned industrial action without further notice.

Aviation analysts have called for urgent intervention to prevent a shutdown that could further weaken investor confidence in the Nigerian aviation sector. According to them, the country is already grappling with infrastructure deficits and fluctuating fuel prices, which have strained airline operations. Labour unrest, they warn, could deal another blow to an industry still trying to recover from pandemic-era losses.

Meanwhile, some passengers and travel agents have begun expressing concerns over possible disruptions in their travel plans. Bookings for domestic flights have already seen a dip, with some operators reporting cancellations by wary customers. Businesses that depend on just-in-time air freight delivery have also flagged potential losses if operations are halted.

As the clock ticks toward the unions’ announced deadline, pressure continues to mount on the federal government and aviation agencies to avert a full-blown strike. Workers maintain that their demands are not excessive, but rather essential to ensuring dignity and motivation in service delivery.

 

With the aviation industry serving as a critical driver of economic activity and connectivity, a sector-wide shutdown would have far-reaching effects. It remains to be seen whether authorities will act swiftly to resolve the wage issues or allow the dispute to escalate into a nationwide disruption.