Aviation Workers’ Strike Strands Passengers Across Major Airports

Thousands of passengers were left stranded at airports in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu on Tuesday as aviation unions began industrial action over alleged anti-union practices and the non-remittance of statutory funds by domestic airlines.

The action was led by aviation unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), with support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The unions are demanding compliance with workers’ rights to unionize and payment of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) allegedly owed to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The protest particularly affected Air Peace, with union members picketing the airline’s facilities at major airports.

In Abuja, passengers scheduled to travel on Air Peace flights from as early as 5 a.m. were unable to board. In Lagos, access to the airline’s Zulu Terminal was also disrupted, affecting passengers scheduled to depart from the airport.

The industrial action reportedly disrupted about 70 flights, leaving travellers unable to reach their destinations as scheduled.

The unions have alleged that domestic airlines owe about ₦25 billion in accumulated Ticket Sales Charges, with Air Peace allegedly accounting for approximately ₦15 billion of the amount.

They have also accused the airline of frustrating employees who seek to join or form trade unions, describing unionization as a fundamental right of workers.

The dispute took another turn when an Air Peace bus was reportedly driven onto the airside during the picketing exercise.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority said the incident was under investigation and that the driver could face prosecution for allegedly obstructing movement in the restricted area.

NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the authority had ordered that the driver be identified and arrested.

However, Air Peace spokesman Efe Whiskey-Osifo disputed the allegation that the vehicle blocked the runway, maintaining that the bus did not obstruct the runway.

The unions had previously issued warnings to airlines over the alleged non-remittance of the statutory charge before commencing the latest action.

The development has raised fresh concerns about how labour disputes could affect Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly flight schedules and passengers.

Authorities and industry stakeholders are expected to continue discussions to resolve the disagreements surrounding workers’ unionisation rights and outstanding statutory payments.