Flight Disruptions Imminent? Aviation Workers Set Deadline for Keyamo Over Pay Structure

According to iReporter Online, key aviation unions in Nigeria have jointly issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, demanding the immediate implementation of a long-delayed salary structure for employees of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

The ultimatum, contained in a letter dated July 31, was endorsed by the general secretaries of four major unions: the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).

The unions expressed deep frustration over what they described as the government’s continued failure to enforce salary agreements that were reached with NAMA management more than eight months ago. They warned that if the demands are not met by August 7, workers under the agency would commence a full-scale nationwide strike.

In their letter, the unions confirmed that individual branch notices had already been circulated and formally adopted by the national leadership. They emphasized that the proposed industrial action would involve a complete withdrawal of services across the country’s airspace management infrastructure.

This development revives tensions between aviation workers and the federal government. In 2024, Minister Keyamo had previously urged the unions to suspend a planned strike over the controversial 50% deduction from the internally generated revenues of aviation agencies.

The unions have stated that their members are prepared to enforce the strike action unless the revised salary structure is implemented without further delay.