LAGOS – A few hours after the aviation unions threatened to embark on a protest to force the Federal Government to expunge parastatals in the sector from the 50 per cent Treasury Single Account (TSA), Barr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has scheduled a meeting with the unions.
The unions; National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), had threatened to embark on a protest Wednesday next week across all the nation’s airports over the compulsory deduction of the agencies’ 50 per cent Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs).
The statement personally signed by Keyamo, said that the meeting would provide a platform to openly discuss the issues at hand and allow President Bola Tinubu sufficient time to intervene and address the unions’ concerns comprehensively.
Keyamo, however, acknowledged the concerns raised by the unions, but assure all stakeholders that Tinubu was looking into the concerns raised.
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He added: “We understand the strain this has placed on the sector’s ability to address critical safety and operational needs, and we take these concerns very seriously.
“We wish to assure the unions and all stakeholders that the Honourable Minister of Aviation and His Excellency, Mr. President, are fully aware of the situation and are working diligently to find a resolution. The Government is committed to ensuring that the aviation sector continues to operate efficiently and safely.
“In response to the concerns, the Ministry has scheduled a meeting with the leadership of the unions on September 17, 2024.”
Keyamo further appealed to the unions to reconsider their planned peaceful protest on September 18, 2024, and allow for dialogue to take place.
He declared that through constructive engagement, a mutually beneficial solution could be reached, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the aviation sector.
