The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), alongside other major aviation unions, has escalated its dispute with the Nigerian government by issuing a notice of complete withdrawal of services, effective Monday, August 11, 2025, at 05:00 hours.
This decision threatens to ground air travel and disrupt economic activities across Nigeria, as all airport workers under the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) are directed to halt operations. The unions, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), issued a joint seven-day ultimatum on July 31, 2025, to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The ultimatum, set to expire today, August 7, demanded the implementation of a revised salary structure for NAMA workers, which was agreed upon over eight months ago but remains unimplemented.In a letter signed by the general secretaries of the unions, they expressed frustration over the government’s failure to act despite repeated appeals and official communications.
“Recognizing that notice of ultimatum has already been issued and served by our branches, which our national unions have adopted, a seven-day notice of withdrawal of services from Thursday, the 31st of July, 2025, is hereby issued,” the letter stated.
The unions warned that failure to resolve the issue by the deadline would lead to a nationwide cessation of services, a move that could paralyze Nigeria’s aviation sector. The decision to withdraw services follows months of stalled negotiations and growing discontent among aviation workers.
The unions highlighted that their rank-and-file members have repeatedly voiced frustrations over the delay, which they describe as a breach of trust by NAMA’s management and the Ministry of Aviation. The salary adjustments, finalised after extensive discussions, were intended to address longstanding concerns about worker compensation but have yet to be enforced. The Ministry of Aviation is yet to issue an official response to the unions’ notice.
However, sources within the ministry indicate that efforts are underway to engage with union leaders to avert the impending crisis. The public is advised to monitor updates from NAMA and airline operators, as disruptions could begin as early as Monday morning.
Source: https://www.nigerianeye.com/
