By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s aviation unions have called off their planned nationwide strike set for Monday, 11 August, following a last-minute intervention by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE), announced the suspension on Sunday, citing “positive developments” in their push for better pay for Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) workers.
Keyamo, thrilled with the outcome, declared, “We’re chuffed to bits to announce that, thanks to our efforts, the aviation unions’ strike planned for tomorrow has been scrapped.” He credited his long-standing rapport with labour unions for paving the way to tackle lingering issues in the sector. “By showing absolute good faith, we’ll sort these matters one by one,” he vowed, promising lasting solutions to concerns predating his tenure.
The breakthrough follows the budget office issuing a “no-objection” letter to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, greenlighting a new pay structure for NAMA staff, effective from August salaries. The unions, in a joint statement, agreed to postpone the strike until the end of August 2025, keeping a keen eye on the implementation of the new pay deal.
Keyamo lauded the unions for choosing dialogue over disruption, calling the move a “smashing step” towards stabilising Nigeria’s aviation industry. With tensions eased, all eyes are now on the government to deliver on its promises and keep the skies strike-free.
