LIVE UPDATES
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has declared that a planned strike by aviation unions, set to begin on Monday, has been postponed.
In a statement released via his official X account on Sunday, Keyamo expressed satisfaction with the outcome, saying, “We are pleased to announce that, following our intervention, the planned strike by the Aviation Unions scheduled to start tomorrow has been shelved.
The unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, jointly issued a statement to suspend the strike.”
He attributed the achievement to his longstanding relationships with labor leaders. “Given my enduring relationship with labor unions, I have consistently worked with our comrades to address longstanding issues in the sector, and by demonstrating good faith, we can resolve these matters one by one,” he stated.
According to a joint statement from the unions, dated August 8, 2025, they had previously announced their intention to strike due to adverse conditions affecting their demands for better pay.
However, they noted that the strike had been postponed due to recent positive outcomes.
“Now, however, due to the efforts of NAMA's management and the intervention of the Minister of Aviation along with other senior officials, we are pleased to report positive developments regarding the issue.
We acknowledge the release of the ‘no objection’ letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission and the letter from NAMA management encouraging staff about their efforts to secure payment of new salaries along with those for August.”
The unions emphasized the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue, stating: “In light of these developments and to show good faith, our unions have decided to defer the strike action scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025, until the situation regarding this matter is clearer by the end of August 2025.”
They called on all NAMA staff to stay engaged and hopeful. “Accordingly, we urge all NAMA staff to remain vigilant as the situation progresses.”
Earlier in July, the aviation unions—NUATE, ATSSSAN, ANAP, and AUCPTRE—had issued a notice of service withdrawal to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), advocating for improved compensation. This notice, which lapsed on August 8, instructed all NAMA employees to initiate an indefinite strike from August 11 at 5 a.m., warning airlines, allied companies, and the traveling public to find alternative travel options.
The impending strike threatened to disrupt air traffic and navigation services nationwide, potentially affecting both domestic and international flights.
The strike was sparked by delays in implementing a revised salary structure, which the unions claimed was overdue due to increasing living costs and operational needs.
Quick actions by Keyamo, NAMA leadership, and senior ministry officials facilitated progress, including a “no objection” letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries, and Wages Commission.
Given these developments, the unions have postponed the strike until the end of August, contingent on the payment of new salaries alongside those for August.
