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Aviation Workers Fix Date To Go On Strike, Ground Flights Nationwide

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2 days ago

Mar 24, 2025.

Aviation Workers Fix Date To Go On Strike, Ground Flights Nationwide

Aviation unions threaten nationwide airport shutdown over FAAN official’s assault.
Demand for reduced customs presence at airports in line with global standards.
Customs attributes the incident to miscommunication.

Aviation unions have threatened to shut down airports across Nigeria from March 31, 2025, if the federal government fails to remove a customs officer accused of assaulting the Director of Aviation Security at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a joint statement signed by Ocheme Aba (National Union of Air Transport Employees – NUATE), Frances Akinjole (Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria – ATSSSAN), and Abdul Rasaq Saidu (Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals – ANAP), the unions condemned the repeated physical attacks on FAAN personnel, warning that they would no longer tolerate such incidents.

The unions also called for a reduction in the number of customs officers stationed at airports, arguing that excessive security personnel disrupt civil aviation operations and are not in line with international best practices.

“Considering the frequency and severity of both physical and psychological assaults on FAAN staff, we are compelled to inform management of our unions’ firm resolve to establish a clear framework of mutual respect among FAAN staff and security agencies operating at the airports,” the statement read.

The unions further stressed that sanctions would be introduced to safeguard the rights and well-being of FAAN employees.

“We shall direct all aviation workers to withdraw their services at the airports effective March 31, 2025, unless these protocols are put in place,” the statement warned.

Condemning the latest attack on the Director of Aviation Security, the unions described it as the last straw in a long series of abuses, demanding immediate action to prevent a full-blown industrial crisis.

Aviation Workers Fix Date To Go On Strike, Ground Flights Nationwide

Reacting to the situation, Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada attributed the altercation to a miscommunication regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements at the airport.