Aviation unions have renewed calls for urgent government action to improve workers’ welfare. They warned that poor pay, delayed entitlements, and heavy revenue deductions threaten aviation safety.
The call was made at the 3rd Aviation Unions’ Leadership Conference organized by the Joint Aviation Trade Unions’ Forum (JATUF). The theme focused on safety, leadership, and workers’ welfare.
Unions agreed that Nigeria cannot guarantee safe skies with underpaid and demoralized aviation workers. They said poor welfare directly affects performance and safety.
JATUF Secretary, Comrade Hector Nnadi, welcomed improved engagement with the government. He described the Minister of Aviation as accessible and responsive.
He said dialogue has created room to address long-standing grievances. However, speakers stressed that talks must now lead to action.
They warned that workers are struggling under harsh economic conditions. Aviation, they said, is too sensitive to be run by frustrated personnel.
The conference revisited concerns over the 50 percent deduction from agencies’ internally generated revenue. Unions said the policy weakens operations and staff welfare.
JATUF called for the settlement of outstanding entitlements and cautioned against airport concessions without resolving labour and pension issues. The forum urged swift action, saying leadership will be judged by how well workers’ welfare is protected.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen