Keyamo begs aviation workers to shelve planned protest

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has urged aviation workers not to go ahead with their planned protest, over the Federal Government’s deduction of 50 percent of all internally generated revenue from aviation agencies.

Aviation workers in Nigeria had announced a nationwide protest on August 21, 2024, in response to the Federal Government’s continued deduction of 50 percent from the internally generated revenue of key aviation agencies.

The unions made the announcement in a letter dated August 14, 2024, titled “Save Aviation From Collapse,” which was released to journalists on Thursday.

The affected agencies include the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NMA), the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

In a statement posted on the X handle of NCAA, Keyamo said the concerns of the workers, especially regarding the negative impact these deductions have on investment, maintenance of critical infrastructure, and overall operations of the agencies, have been duly noted.

He said his ministry understands the significance of the issues raised and recognizes the vital role that the aviation workforce plays in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth operation of the industry.

He added, “The ministry is committed to addressing these challenges in a manner that ensures the continued viability and sustainability of the sector while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery.”

The minister assured the workers’ unions and other stakeholders that President Bola Tinubu is very concerned about the improvement of the aviation sector and will give their demands due consideration, with the goal of finding a lasting solution that balances both the fiscal needs of the government and the operational requirements of the aviation agencies.

“We appeal to all workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the government is working assiduously towards amicably resolving the matter.

“The ministry appreciates their patience and understanding and remains committed to ensuring a conducive work environment for all.

“We thank the workers for their understanding and continued dedication to the aviation sector.”