Nigerian aviation sector unions have announced a two-day warning strike, beginning on Monday, April 17, 2023.

The unions are protesting the proposed demolition of the aviation agencies’ head offices in Lagos to make way for an Aerotropolis and calling for higher pay for workers in the industry.

The strike also aims to draw attention to the minimum wage and other welfare demands that have not been implemented.

The unions involved are the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP).

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No outward operations of any kind will be permitted, according to the unions, and no offloading services will be provided to commercial planes.

The unions said they had directed their members to comply with the guidance, adding that all state councils, branches, and executives had been mandated to enforce the directive.

Letters of the notice of the warning strike, according to the unions, have been sent to the Airport Command of the Nigerian Police Force, Airport Commandants of the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, chief executive officers of aviation agencies, and foreign airlines.

Nigerian Aviation Sector

Civil aviation is a critical element in Nigeria’s transportation system and indeed its economy.

Nigeria has twenty (20) airports and many regulated airstrips and heliports; 23 active domestic airlines; 554 licensed pilots; 913 licensed engineers and 1700 cabin personnel. Nigeria being Africa’s most populous country is an important destination for over 22 foreign carriers.

Nigeria currently has Bilateral Air Services Agreements with over 78 countries.