Flight Operations In Jeopardy As Aviation Workers Prepare For Nationwide Strike

In a joint statement signed by Ocheme Aba, Frances Akinjole, and Abdul Rasaq Saidu, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) condemned the recurring physical attacks on FAAN personnel. They vowed to no longer tolerate such incidents.

The unions stressed the urgent need for a reduction in the number of customs officers operating in civil aviation, aligning with global standards.

“Given the frequent physical and psychological assaults on FAAN staff, we are left with no choice but to establish a framework of mutual respect between FAAN personnel and security agencies at airports,” the unions declared.

They warned that unless measures are put in place to safeguard FAAN staff, aviation workers would withdraw their services from all airports nationwide starting March 31, 2025.

Denouncing the attack on the Director of Aviation Security as one incident too many, the unions urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent an industrial crisis.

Meanwhile, Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada attributed the clash between FAAN officials and customs officers to a misunderstanding over equipment movement and seating arrangements.