Aviation unions call off planned strike

Aviation unions have deferred their planned strike action following “positive developments” in ongoing remuneration talks.

The unions had announced a strike set to begin on Monday, August 11, citing unfavourable circumstances surrounding their request for improved remuneration.

In a joint notice on Friday, unions under the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) gave the directive, signed by AbdulRasaq Saidu, Secretary General of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and Odinaka Igbokwe, deputy general secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE).

Other signatories to the notice include Frances Akinjole, principal deputy general secretary of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATTSSSAN), and Alo Lawrence, general secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).

“Yesterday we were compelled by unfavourable circumstances surrounding our quest for improved remunerations to reinforce our earlier notice of withdrawal of services to the effect of issuing clear directive to commence the action on Monday 11th August, 2025,” the statement reads.

“Now, however, due to the hard work of the Management of NAMA and the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and other senior officials of the Ministry, we are happy to report that there have been some positive developments around the issue.

“In this respect, we note the release of the ‘no objection’ letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission yesterday (7 August, 2025), and the letter from the Management of NAMA to its staff to the effect of its strenuous efforts and expectations to ensure payment of the new remunerations along with August salaries.

“Based on the above, and in order to demonstrate good faith, our unions have taken the decision to defer the strike action scheduled to commence on Monday 11th August, 2025 pending the state of affairs on the subject matter at the end of August, 2025.”

The unions enjoined all staff of NAMA to join them in keeping a hopeful watch as the situation unfolds.