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Exit Aero Contractors Now, NUATE Tells AMCON
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has escalated its long-standing grievances over the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) ‘s oversight of Aero Contractors.
In a circular issued on Thursday, NUATE President Ben Nnabue raised several critical alarms regarding the airline’s stability and future under the current receivership model.
The union’s latest intervention highlights a deepening rift between the workers and the corporation.
Nnabue accused AMCON of refusing to provide the capital injections needed to sustain operations, especially given the current high-cost environment in Nigerian aviation.
The union reiterated that AMCON lacks the “technical DNA” required to manage a time-sensitive industry such as aviation, alleging that deploying non-industry personnel to day-to-day management has led to significant operational setbacks.
A major point of contention is the allegation that AMCON has directed Aero Contractors to remit internally generated savings to the corporation rather than allowing the airline to reinvest those funds into fleet expansion or maintenance.
NUATE expressed fear that Aero is following the same trajectory as Arik Air—which they claim has deteriorated under AMCON—citing the recent redeployment of personnel from Arik to Aero as a negative indicator.
To prevent what they describe as the systematic decline of Nigeria’s oldest airline, NUATE is calling for immediate divestment.
The union is urging AMCON to exit its stake in Aero Contractors through the stock market, allowing for professional, market-driven management.
They have called on the Ministry of Aviation and the Presidency to review AMCON’s extended stay in the airline, which was originally intended to be a temporary rescue mission.
This development follows a period of relative calm after Captain Ado Sanusi’s return as Managing Director, though it appears the structural issues regarding AMCON’s financial control have now reached a breaking point for the union.
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