As Nigeria joined the global community to celebrate Workers Day 2025, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) raised serious concerns over persistent policy setbacks affecting the aviation industry—chief among them, the federal government’s continued deduction of 50% of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from aviation agencies.
Despite earlier commitments to review the controversial policy, NUATE lamented that the deductions remain in place—even for agencies already operating on thin margins, thereby threatening their sustainability and undermining critical aviation safety and security operations.
In a strongly worded May Day address, Comrade Ben Nnabue, NUATE National President, criticised the government’s handling of labour-related issues within the aviation sector. He flagged the continued absence of governing boards across aviation agencies as a major hindrance to long-term planning and innovation.
“All aviation agencies are functioning without boards of directors. This stifles institutional growth and vision,” Nnabue stated.
While commending aviation unions for successfully concluding negotiations on improved conditions of service for most public agencies, he expressed concern over delays in approvals from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHSF). He called on both bodies to expedite action to preserve industrial harmony in the sector.
Nnabue also spotlighted the neglect of private aviation service workers, many of whom face “extremely poor remuneration” despite operating in roles crucial to national security and aviation safety. He urged the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to take immediate steps to address the wage concerns or risk triggering a sector-wide crisis.
“The frustration of these workers has reached a boiling point. It’s imperative we act now,” he warned.
Additionally, uncertainty still clouds the government’s airport concession plans, with many Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff expressing anxiety over unresolved labour matters. NUATE stressed that the lack of transparency continues to fuel mistrust among aviation workers.
However, Nnabue praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN), describing him as a “true father of aviation workers” for his consistent engagement with labour issues and commitment to workers’ welfare.
He also commended aviation investors and entrepreneurs who, despite low profit margins, continue to sustain operations and provide jobs. “Their sacrifices deserve our highest commendation,” he said.
Nnabue concluded with high praise for the aviation workforce, applauding their dedication, resilience, and technical expertise in keeping Nigerian airspace safe and efficient.
