Aviation unions have decided to participate in the indefinite strike initiated by organized labor, commencing tomorrow. Initially, these unions stated they had not yet received instructions from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), their affiliate body. However, they have now directed their members to halt services across all Nigerian airports.

According to reports, this decision was made during an emergency meeting held on Sunday. The service withdrawal will begin at midnight on Monday, June 3.

The unions involved include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE). The directive was confirmed in a joint statement signed by Comrade Ocheme Aba (General Secretary, NUATE), Comrade Frances Akinjole (Deputy General Secretary, ATSSSAN), Comrade Abdul Rasaq Saidu (Secretary General, ANAP), and Comrade Olayinka Abioye (General Secretary, NAAPE), urging all branches to comply.

The statement read: “In compliance with the directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, we hereby inform the general public, aviation service providers, airline operators, aviation businesses, and all aviation workers nationwide that starting from 0000hrs on June 3, 2024, all services at all Nigerian airports shall be fully withdrawn till further notice.

“Considering that many international flights to Nigeria are already in progress, the strike action will commence at international terminals on June 4, 2024.

“All aviation workers should understand the gravity of this struggle and comply fully. All branch officers of our unions are to ensure full compliance at all airports.”