The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has assured travellers that flight and airport operations across the country will continue despite the ongoing strike by aviation unions.
The authority, in a statement on Tuesday, said it was monitoring the labour dispute and engaging relevant stakeholders to limit its effect on passengers and airport activities.
FAAN said it recognised the role of organised labour and supported efforts by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and other stakeholders to resolve the disagreement.
The authority stated, “FAAN recognises the legitimate role of organised labour and supports the ongoing efforts of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, and other stakeholders towards an amicable resolution of the issues at hand.”
According to FAAN, it is working with aviation agencies, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that airport operations remain functional throughout the industrial action.
It said, “In the interim, FAAN is working closely with the relevant aviation agencies, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of the industrial action and ensure that airport operations are not disrupted.”
The authority also disclosed that earlier challenges affecting the movement of some flights within the airside environment had been resolved through coordination among relevant agencies.
It added, “The Authority also confirms that earlier operational challenges affecting the movement of some flights within the airside environment have been addressed through ongoing inter-agency coordination.”
FAAN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe, secure and accessible airports nationwide, while urging passengers to remain calm and contact their airlines for the latest information on flight schedules.
The authority thanked travellers for their patience and understanding, expressing optimism that discussions led by the aviation minister would produce a swift resolution to the dispute.
The assurance comes as aviation unions continue their industrial action over unresolved labour issues in the sector.
The unions involved include the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE; Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN; and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, with backing from the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
The unions are demanding an end to alleged anti-union practices by some airlines and the remittance of the mandatory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
They are also calling for aviation workers to be allowed to join unions of their choice without intimidation, victimisation or discrimination, as well as the payment of outstanding TSC revenues to the relevant aviation agencies.
