Despite Admitting Aviation Union Concerns Are Genuine, Minister Pleads Protest Be Shelved

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has acknowledged the legitimacy of concerns raised by aviation unions over the continuous deduction of 50 per cent of revenue from federal government agencies overseeing the aviation sector.

However, the minister has appealed to the unions to halt their planned nationwide protest, assuring them that the Federal Government is working to resolve the issue promptly.

In a statement signed by Keyamo on Friday, he expressed the government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution that addresses the government’s fiscal needs and the operational requirements of key aviation agencies.

These agencies include the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

Recall West Africa Weekly earlier reported the unions, which include the National Air Transport Employees, Association of Nigeria Aviation Practitioners, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, have planned the protest to pressure the government to rescind its decision on the revenue deductions.

Keyamo acknowledged that the deductions have placed significant strain on the agencies, pushing them to the brink of financial distress.

He assured the unions that resolving the issue is a priority for the government and that President Bola Tinubu is concerned about the aviation sector’s challenges.

“We understand the significance of the issues raised and recognise the vital role that our aviation workforce plays in ensuring the industry’s safety, efficiency, and smooth operation.

The Ministry is committed to addressing these challenges to ensure the continued viability and sustainability of the sector while maintaining the highest service delivery standards,” Keyamo stated.

The minister appealed to the unions to maintain calm and avoid industrial action while the government works towards an amicable resolution.

“We appeal to all workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the government is working assiduously towards amicably resolving the matter,” he added.

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