Unions in the Nigerian air transport sector are gearing up for a nationwide protest in response to the Federal Government’s continued deduction of 50% from the internally generated revenue of aviation agencies. The unions involved include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN).
In a joint statement, the unions criticized the government’s refusal to exempt these agencies from the revenue deductions. The statement was issued by key officials including Mr. Ocheme Aba of NUATE, Mr. Frances Akinjole of ATSSSAN, Mr. Abdul Rasaq of ANAP, Mr. Olayinka Abioye of NAAPE, and Mr. Sikiru Waheed of AUPCTRE.
The unions argue that the aviation agencies—such as the Nigerian 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)—are cost-recovery entities rather than profit-making organizations. Consequently, they contend that these agencies cannot sustain their operations with only 50% of their generated revenue.
The unions have scheduled a peaceful protest for September 18, 2024, at airports nationwide. The protest aims to demand an end to the revenue deductions and to raise awareness about the impact on safety-critical activities within the sector. They have expressed concern that continued deductions could lead to dysfunction within the industry due to financial constraints.
The unions have stated that all previous efforts to address this issue with the Federal Government have been unsuccessful, and the ultimatum given to the Minister of Aviation has expired without resolution. They have warned that if the situation is not rectified, they will not be responsible for any potential operational failures or safety issues that may arise as a result of the financial constraints imposed by the revenue deductions.