Flights grounded as aviation unions embark on strike

Aviation unions, on Monday, commenced a two-day warning strike, leaving many passengers stranded, and lights grounded at the Lagos airport.

Union members have blocked the gate to the Murtala Muhammad Airport domestic terminal, stranding several travellers.

This follows a meeting called by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority that resulted in a stalemate, with the unions insisting on continuing the strike.

Capt. Musa Nuhu, Director-General of Civil Aviation, convened the meeting to persuade the unions to call off their planned two-day warning strike, which was attended by union representatives.

Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, was also present at the meeting.

The unions comprise the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria; the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals.

They are demanding, among other things, that the planned demolition of aviation agencies’ headquarters in Lagos be postponed, as well as the implementation of service agreements negotiated with aviation agency employees.

Comrade Frances Akinjole, Deputy General Secretary of ATSSSAN, stated in a brief interview last night following the meeting, “As I speak to you, nothing has changed.”

“If you do not hear from the General Secretary, the strike will continue.”

He later sent a text message saying, “The strike goes as planned.”

As at the time this report was filed, the unions were singing solidarity songs, and security operators, including police and military officers, are on the ground.