The Federal Government has reached an agreement with aviation sector unions and airline operators, granting domestic airlines flexible repayment plans for their outstanding debts to aviation agencies.
The resolution also affirms that workers are free to join unions without interference by management of airlines.
These were the key outcomes of an emergency stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday, August 13, following the temporary suspension of industrial action by unions on Tuesday, August 11.
Pinnacle Daily had reported that key aviation unions embarked on industrial action on Tuesday over issues concerning alleged non-remittance of 5 per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TCS) by airlines to aviation agencies and unionization of workers.
The unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), blocked access to Air Peace airline departure terminals in Lagos and Abuja airports.
The action, which lasted for about eight hours, grounded many flights, as other airlines also suspended operations in solidarity with Air Peace.
Following the intervention of stakeholders, the unions granted temporary suspension of their action and fight operations resumed.
The press statement, signed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mahmud Adam Kambari, outlined the resolutions reached after extensive deliberations between the government, aviation unions, agencies and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
Under the new agreement, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other aviation agency heads are to obtain payment schedules from airlines, spread over a “reasonable timeframe” that takes into account the airlines’ operational costs and current economic realities.
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other Heads of Aviation Agencies are to obtain a schedule of payments from the airlines, spread over a reasonable timeframe, taking into cognizance, airlines cost of operation and current economic realities,” part of the resolutions read.
Additionally, Directors of Finance and Accounts in all aviation agencies are directed to meet with individual airlines within one week to agree on realistic repayment plans.
A significant part of the resolution addresses workers’ rights. The Minister reiterated that workers have the right to decide whether or not to belong to unions, and that this decision must be made by the workers themselves, rather than through management.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation recognizes the right of workers to decide not to belong or to belong to Unions; the Honourable Minister also recognizes the rights of the workers to decide for themselves, rather than through management,” it stated.
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The minister directed the NCAA to ensure that unions have direct access to all airline workers to distribute forms for workers to indicate their interest in joining unions or not. He warned that any airline found preventing this direct interface will face sanctions.
The parties also agreed to reconvene after one month to review progress on the resolutions, which were described as the collective decisions of all parties.
While assuring stakeholders of a safe and viable aviation sector, Keyamo reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, peaceful, and sustainable aviation industry.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X