Keyamo Begs Aviation Unions To Shelve Planned Protest

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has appealed to aviation workers to drop their planned protest over the deduction of 50 per cent of all internally generated revenue of aviation agencies at source.

Keyamo said concerns of the workers, especially regarding the negative impact the deductions have on investment, maintenance of critical infrastructure, and overall operations of the agencies, have been duly noted and the government will look into them.

The minister also stated that President Bola Tinubu would give their demands due consideration as he was concerned about the growth in the sector.

Part of the minister’s statement on Friday stated: “We understand the significance of the issues raised and recognise the vital role that our aviation workforce plays in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth operation of the industry.

“The ministry is committed to addressing these challenges in a manner that ensures the continued viability and sustainability of the sector while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery.

“We assure the workers’ Unions and other stakeholders that President Bola Tinubu is very concerned about improvement of the aviation sector and will give their demands due consideration with the goal of finding a lasting solution that balances both the fiscal needs of the government and the operational requirements of the aviation agencies.

“We appeal to all workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the government is working assiduously towards amicably resolving the matter.”

The Minister added that the ministry appreciates the patience and understanding of the workers, and remains committed to ensuring a conducive work environment for all.

The union had in a letter dated August 14th and titled; “Save Aviation from Collapse – Notice of Nationwide Protest’, directed all aviation workers to embark on nationwide peaceful protest on August 21, 2024.

The unions include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Services Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).