Aviation Workers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Federal Revenue Deductions

Aviation workers have announced plans for a nationwide strike on August 21, 2024.

This action is in response to the Federal Government’s ongoing policy of deducting 50 percent from the internally generated revenue (IGR) of key aviation agencies.

The announcement was made in a letter dated August 14, 2024, by the unions representing the staff of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Services Agency (NiMet), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The letter, titled “Save Aviation From Collapse,” was shared with the media on Thursday.

The unions are protesting the financial strain imposed on these agencies by the government’s revenue deduction policy, which they argue threatens the operational capacity and safety of the aviation sector.

The agencies affected by the deductions are crucial for the management and safety of air travel in Nigeria.

“All workers of the affected agencies, joined by the solidarity of all aviation workers, are hereby directed to embark on peaceful protests at all airports nationwide on August 21, 2024,” the letter stated.

The unions are demanding an end to the 50 percent deduction and highlighting that the agencies are cost-recovery entities, not profit-making organizations. They assert that sustaining operations under these financial constraints is untenable.

The unions have raised concerns that the financial strain is already compromising critical safety activities within the agencies.

They warned that if the financial pressures persist, the industry could become dysfunctional, which would impact not only domestic but also international flight operations.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, expressed concerns about the potential impact of the strike.

He cautioned that a strike could severely disrupt airport operations and service providers, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays.

Achimugu acknowledged the unions’ notice of the protest and expressed hope that discussions between the aviation minister and the unions would address their concerns before the strike date.

Nnadi Hector, Forum Secretary of the Joint Aviation Trade Unions Forum, emphasized that the protest aims to draw the government’s attention to the detrimental effects of the revenue deductions.

Hector clarified that the strike is not directed against President Bola Tinubu but rather a measure to highlight the sector’s urgent need for financial stability.

“The protest is meant to bring the government’s attention to how these deductions are affecting the safety and functionality of our aviation sector,” Hector said.

He reiterated that aviation is a global sector regulated by international standards and that maintaining operational standards is essential for Nigeria’s credibility in the global aviation industry.