ABUJA, Nigeria – Hadi Sirika, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, has called for an end to the ongoing strike by aviation workers.
In a statement released on Monday, April 17, 2023, Sirika appealed to unions to cooperate with the Ministry and help transform Nigeria’s aviation industry into a major hub in Africa.
The statement, issued by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Head of Press and Public Affairs in the Ministry, highlighted the Minister’s concerns over the impact of the strike on citizens, flight schedules, economic losses, and Nigeria’s global rating.
He emphasised that the strike was unnecessary and urged the unions to work with the Ministry to address their grievances.
Sirika noted that the ministry had already made significant efforts to meet the workers’ demands, particularly regarding the contentious issues of airport concessions and conditions of service.
He added that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission was in the process of assessing these matters and would soon reach a conclusion.
The minister also stressed the importance of airport concessions in achieving the goal of making Nigeria’s airports economically viable and transforming the country into an aviation hub in Africa. He assured the workers that this process would not result in job losses.
On the topic of minimum wage adjustments, Sirika said that the issue had been finalised and payment would be made soon.
“It should be noted that the planned demolition of certain buildings obstructing the runway is in public interest and an administrative issue that can be sorted in-house,” the statement read in part.
“The unions should have met with the management of Agencies for alternative accommodation to all affected offices before going ahead with the strike.
“On the concession of airports, the Unions are aware of global practices.
“And for the Aviation industry in Nigeria to be the hub in Africa, the concession is the way to go to improve infrastructure and make the nation’s airports economically viable without loss of jobs.”
He added that the Ministry of Aviation was always open to engaging with unions to improve workers’ welfare. However, this could only be achieved in an environment of peace and mutual respect.
In a final appeal to the unions, Sirika urged them to end the strike and warned that the ministry would not tolerate any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order at the airports.
