Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika on Wednesday rued incessant strikes by workers Unions in the the industry as some of the low points of his eight years stewardship of the sector.
Various unions has come down heavily on the minister in recent times for his perceived unpopular actions and intentions before exiting the scene come May 29th.
Sirika said the ministry and the various management in the sector had been working harmoniously with the unions since the government came onboard in 2015 and wondered why some of the associations were embarking on strike at this time.
He spoke in Lagos at the opening ceremony of a three day conference jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Joint Aviation Trade Unions Forum (JATUF).
He was represented at the conference with the theme: ‘Re-Inventing Trade Unionism for Sustainable Growth and Development in the Nigerian Aviation Sector,’ by Mrs. Nkechi Nwokocha, the Director, Human Resource Management, Federal Ministry of Aviation.
Earlier, Engr. Abednego Galadima, the President, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) in his welcome address, said that it was necessary for all organisations in the sector to measure up with the developments in the global aviation industry.
Also, Comrade Kabir Gusau, the President, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) called on the government to always honour agreements.
Talking on the recent two days warning strike, which paralysed activities in the sector, Gusau pointed out that the unions were pushed to the wall by the government to take the action.
He decried that the government over the years had continued to treat issues affecting the workers with levity.
