The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called on industry unions to engage in dialogue with the Federal Government concerning the planned concession of key airports.
This follows growing resistance from unions, including the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), who have raised concerns about job security and transparency in the process.
The unions have voiced their opposition after the release of concession documents, which they claim excluded their representatives—contrary to prior agreements.
They have since issued a 14-day ultimatum for the government to reverse its decision.
In response, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, stated that these concerns, along with issues regarding the delay in implementing a new minimum wage adjustment, were addressed in a recent meeting with the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
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She confirmed that the minister had promised to include union representatives in the ongoing discussions to ensure transparency and that staff salary reviews would be expedited.
Despite assurances from Keyamo, including a pledge to protect jobs in the concession arrangement, the unions remain sceptical.
NUATE President Ben Nnabue highlighted their surprise upon discovering that the government was moving forward with airport concessions, contrary to earlier promises from the minister.
The unions’ recent congress, held at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport, saw all FAAN offices and gates locked in protest, with workers expressing their distrust in the ongoing concession process.
FAAN, however, reiterated its commitment to maintaining good relations with the unions and promoting a continuous dialogue to address the concerns of workers in the aviation sector.
