Aviation workers throughout Nigeria have announced plans for a nationwide protest on August 21, 2024. This move comes in response to the Federal Government’s continuous deduction of 50% from the internally generated revenue of key aviation agencies.
On Thursday, the unions issued a letter titled “Save Aviation From Collapse,” dated August 14, 2024, to alert the press. The affected agencies encompass the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
The unions have instructed all workers from these agencies to engage in peaceful protests at airports nationwide on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Their primary demand is the cessation of the 50% revenue deduction through exemption.
The letter emphasized, “All efforts to convey to the Federal Government that the Agencies operate on a cost recovery basis, not for profit, have proven unsuccessful. It is unsustainable for them to operate on half of their income under any administrative model or guise.”
Expressing concern, the unions highlighted the compromised critical safety activities within these agencies due to financial strain caused by the deductions. They cautioned that they would not accept responsibility should the aviation industry face dysfunction due to financial constraints.
“We have received information indicating that crucial safety operations of the Agencies are being hindered by the deductions. As trade unions and aviation workers, we want to make it clear that we will not bear any responsibility if the industry collapses due to financial incapacity from the withheld funds,” they underscored.
In anticipation of the protest, the unions have issued directives to their state councils, women’s commissions, youth councils, and branches across the country to mobilize fully and ensure widespread participation.