The decision of the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, to insist on the demolition of corporate offices of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and that of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) for his proposed aerotropolis project is the underlying factor behind the current bedlam being witnessed across airports in the country, Blueprint has gathered.
With less than 42 days to the expiration of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Sirika, who has been in charge of the aviation industry since 2015 has remained adamant and insisted on carrying out the outlandish project that has left stakeholders bemoaned.
Among other vexed issues is the none implementation of an agreed minimum wage consequential adjustment with arrears for NIMET staff since 2019 and the refusal of the National Salaries Income And Wages Commission, NSIWC, and Office of the Head of Service of the Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, to release the reviewed Conditions of Service, CoS, of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET.
On Monday, airlines passengers went through harrowing experiences while trying to get to the local terminals at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos as the industry unions barricaded entrances.
The various umbrellas representing workers had arrived the airport as early as 4 am in apparent attempt to prevent early morning flight operations.
The Ministry of Aviation however decried the action of the union late Monday evening via an electronic statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head, Press and Public Affairs
Oluseyi warned “that while we are appealing to the Unions to sheath the sword, the Management will view seriously any behaviour by any Union that is likely to lead to a breakdown of law and order at our airports.”
The situation saw the deployment of security officials from the Nigerian Airforce, Directorate of State Security, the Army, police, National Security and Civil Defence Corp as well as officials of the Federal Road Safety Corp and the Lagos State Transport Management Authority to help maintain orderliness around the Lagos airport.
The protesting union leaders carried placards bearing inscriptions that denounced the actions of government to their plight and call on the federal government to meet their demands.
Secretary General, National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, Comrade Ocheme Aba, told the workers that they are among others demanding for the release of the condition of service, CoS as negotiated between them and four aviation agencies for over seven years.
The Minister however said the strike is unnecessary as it will increase the hardship on the citizens, affect flight schedules, leading to economic losses and negatively impact on the country’s rating globally.