The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is urging industry unions to opt for dialogue and seek peace with the Federal Government regarding the planned concession of certain airports. Despite assurances from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development that there would be no job losses in the concession process, the unions remain skeptical. These unions consist of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and the National Union of Air Transport Employees.
At a recent congress held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, the unions expressed their opposition to the concession documents originating from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The unions discovered that their representatives were excluded from the agreement, contrary to an earlier understanding. Consequently, they issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to reverse its decision.
In response, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, stated that the unions raised concerns during a workers’ congress about their exclusion from ongoing airport concession committee discussions and the delay in implementing the negotiated adjustments to the minimum wage. Orah mentioned that these issues were discussed with the minister during a recent interactive session with aviation unions.
Furthermore, Orah highlighted that the minister had instructed the immediate inclusion of the unions’ representatives in the concession committee to ensure transparency. She emphasized that the unions would receive full information as the concession process progressed. Orah also conveyed Keyamo’s assurance that he would intervene to expedite the implementation of the new salary review for FAAN staff.
FAAN reiterated its commitment to upholding its core values and collaborating with the minister to maintain positive relations with aviation unions through continuous dialogue and understanding. During the unions’ congress last week, all FAAN offices and gates were closed, preventing employees from entering the agency.
NUATE President, Ben Nnabue, expressed concerns that the government was proceeding with airport concessions without informing the unions. He mentioned that despite the minister’s assurances that labor issues would be resolved before concession, the unions were surprised by the concession documents. The President of ANAP, Adebayo Alale, shared that the concessions for Enugu airport were nearing completion and plans were underway for Port Harcourt and Kano airports as well.