NCAA wades in, seeks truce with unions to stave off industrial unrest

The Aviation industry in Nigeria cannot withstand another round of industrial action. Any industrial action that has the potential to cripple activities in the sector would have dire consequences on the entire aviation value chain.

To ensure that that position is maintained, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) has intervened in the planned strike of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) and logistics sub-sector billed to commence today, Wednesday.

The aviation regulatory body in its intervention asked for a week extension on the matter so that it can address the issues raised by the initiators of the action, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE).

The union, as confirmed by General Secretary, Ocheme Aba, has asked members to stay action on the strike, which was expected to commence this afternoon.

The union had said it has been on the issue for over two years

The NCAA in a letter, NCAA/ DGCA/8/16/637 signed on August 15th, 2023 by Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Musa S. Nuhu noted the union’s notice of withdrawal of service but provided a counteroffer.

The letter read, “Your letter of August 3rd, 2023 on the above subject matter refers. The Authority seeks your indulgence to postpone the withdrawal of services by the private security firms at the nation’s airport scheduled to start on August  16th, 2023.”

“This will create an opportunity for the Authority to intervene in this dispute with a view to finding lasting solutions to the issues raised by NUATE. A meeting will be called with the union, private security firms, and the airlines.

“You may wish to note the precarious situation of the aviation industry as such we must all collaborate to avoid making matters worse for all stakeholders.”

Wole Shadare