A nationwide strike by aviation unions, initially set to commence on Monday, has been suspended following intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE), had planned to withdraw services over demands for improved remuneration for Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) staff.
In a statement released on Sunday via his official X account, Keyamo announced that the planned strike had been shelved due to his intervention and that of senior ministry officials, alongside the management of NAMA. He credited his longstanding relationship with labour leaders as instrumental in securing the breakthrough.(Ripples Nigeria)
The unions had issued a joint statement on August 8, indicating their intent to proceed with the strike after their July notice of withdrawal of services expired. The industrial action was expected to disrupt air navigation and traffic management services nationwide, affecting both domestic and international flights.
However, the unions have now deferred the strike, citing “positive developments” in negotiations. These include the release of a “no objection” letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission and assurances from NAMA management regarding the payment of new wages with August salaries. The unions have pledged to monitor the situation and reassess the matter at the end of August 2025.
The suspension of the strike has alleviated concerns of widespread disruptions in the aviation sector, with stakeholders expressing cautious optimism about the resolution of the issues at hand.
