Aviation unions in the country have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to address their concerns over the ongoing airport concession and workers’ welfare, warning of possible industrial action if their demands are not met.

The unions also collectively demanded the approval and implementation of reviewed FAAN conditions of service within the next two months and the implementation of the negotiated salary review by March 2025, warning that failure to meet these demands may result in the disruption of aviation activities in the country.

In a joint statement following their congress, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) condemned the draft concession agreements for selected airports being drawn up without the unions’ input. They demanded the inclusion of their representatives from the national and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) branches in the concession committee.

“The unions will not guarantee industrial peace in FAAN. Consequently, all workers are hereby put on red alert for further directives from the unions,” the statement read.

The President of NUATE, Ben Nnabue, decried the lack of transparency in the process, stating that the government was proceeding to concession some airports in a manner that was not known to any of them.

According to him, “Posterity will not forgive them if they go to represent FAAN and sell FAAN out without consulting stakeholders. There is no information that is hidden forever.” (Daily Sun)