The President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Ben Nnabue, has warned that the continued deduction of 50 per cent from the internally generated revenue (IGR) of aviation agencies by the Federal Government is now affecting safety and security in the Nigerian aviation industry.
Nnabue raised these concerns while addressing workers during the 2025 May Day celebration at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. He said despite previous agreements between aviation unions and the government to review the deductions, the policy is still in place and causing major challenges for the sector.
He noted that even agencies that cannot survive on their full revenue are affected by the deductions. According to him, “vital aspects of safety and security are being impinged upon.” Nnabue also described the Federal Government’s refusal to honour the review agreement as an obstacle to the orderly growth of the aviation industry.
The unions had in 2024 threatened a nationwide protest over the issue and had fixed August 21, 2024, for a mass action before discussions began. But the situation has not improved, leading to renewed tension.
Nnabue added that all aviation agencies currently lack governing boards, which he said has denied them fresh ideas and long-term planning opportunities. He warned that the continued delay in appointing board members was weakening the agencies’ operational direction and performance.
He also spoke on the condition of service of aviation workers. He said although the unions had concluded the review of the conditions of service for most aviation agencies, there are still delays in getting approvals from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHSF).
Nnabue called on the two government bodies to fast-track the approval process, saying their roles are vital in promoting industrial peace and good working conditions across the aviation sector.
One of the major labour issues highlighted was the alleged mistreatment of Nigerian workers by Turkish Airlines. Nnabue accused the airline’s General Manager in Nigeria of preventing staff from joining trade unions and of denying them space to operate union offices, actions he said go against Nigerian labour laws.
The NUATE president warned that the unions may soon take action against the airline. This would not be the first time the unions and Turkish Airlines are clashing, as there have been past disagreements over workers’ rights, welfare, and union recognition.
On the long-delayed entitlements of workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways, Nnabue expressed disappointment that some former staff have still not been paid. He noted that while the Minister of Aviation and the Minister of Finance had earlier promised to settle the payments, other government officials have stalled the process.
He said the union would begin fresh engagements with the Ministry of Finance to resolve the issue and finally bring peace to former Nigeria Airways workers and their families.
Nnabue also lamented Nigeria’s slow progress in establishing a new national carrier. He said the need for a national airline is urgent and the government must stop hesitating. He added that NUATE and other aviation unions would soon begin serious discussions with aviation authorities to push for the creation of a national airline.
The May Day event served as another reminder of the unresolved issues in Nigeria’s aviation sector, ranging from safety concerns and underfunding to labour disputes and outdated governance structures.
