How operators bungled peace talk, as Najomo pleads with union to suspend strike action

The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has appealed to the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) to suspend its ongoing industrial action to lessen the disruption to passengers and key industry stakeholders.

In a statement he personally signed, Najomo acknowledged the union’s picketing of Air Peace and several other airlines over alleged anti-labour practices and the non-remittance of the statutory 5% Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC).

Explaining the delay in resolving the dispute, the NCAA boss revealed that a critical intervention meeting scheduled for last week was derailed after airline operators failed to attend.

“The matter would have been addressed at the meeting convened by the Honourable Minister last week, but the meeting could not hold as the airline operators failed to honour the invitation. We are aware of the ongoing industrial action by aviation unions and its impact on passengers and other stakeholders,” Capt. Najomo stated.

He urged the union to halt the strike pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who has been actively working to broker a resolution.

Reassuring the public, Capt. Najomo stressed that flight safety remains uncompromised as the regulatory body continues to enforce its statutory oversight duties.

“We appeal to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation. We are confident that the matter will be resolved shortly and normal flight operations will resume as soon as practicable. The NCAA regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers and appreciates their patience and understanding,” he added.

Wole Shadare