Nigeria: Aviation Unions Threaten Strike, Airspace Shutdown On Friday Over Unpaid Salaries

Nigeria’s airspace may face a complete shutdown by Friday following a joint strike notice issued by major aviation unions over unpaid salary adjustments.

The unions, operating under the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), have given a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw their services nationwide if their longstanding demands are not met.

According to a letter dated Wednesday, July 30, 2025, obtained by West Africa Weekly, the four unions, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), will begin a total service withdrawal across airports if no action is taken by Friday.

The unions expressed deep frustration over the non-implementation of a salary adjustment agreement that was concluded with NAMA management more than eight months ago. Despite several reminders and formal appeals, the government has yet to act on the matter.

The strike notice was addressed to key officials, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; and NAMA’s Managing Director, Farouk Ahmed Umar. It also copied federal security agencies, airport police commissioners, and other stakeholders, underscoring the seriousness of the impending industrial action.

Union leaders stress that aviation workers are operating under increasingly difficult conditions, and the government’s continued silence may soon ground operations across the country.

While workers’ welfare is being neglected, the Federal Government plans to spend ₦712.3 billion (approximately $1.75 billion) on the renovation of Terminal 1 of the Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA). This move has drawn criticism, as comparisons with similar international airport projects suggest the cost is unusually high, even by global standards.

The Aviation Minister, Keyamo, has defended the price tag, urging Nigerians to “Google the cost of most modern airports.” However, he has failed to facilitate the implementation of the new salary adjustment for the very people who keep the airports running.

West Africa Weekly will monitor the situation and report any new developments.

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Kangmwa Gofwen

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