In an unprecedented turn of events, the aviation industry in Nigeria has been thrown into turmoil, with unions directing the withdrawal of all flights to Owerri, Imo State, from airports across the country. This drastic move comes in response to the directive of the Labor Union, consisting of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), following the brutalization of NLC President Joe Ajaero in Owerri last week.
The aviation unions, including the National Union Of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers (NAAPE), issued a joint statement condemning the actions of the Imo State government and declaring Governor Hope Uzodimma persona non grata in all Nigerian airports.
Their joint statement, signed by their General-Secretaries, Comrades Ocheme Aba (NUATE), Frances Akinjole (ATSSSAN), Abdul Rasaq Saidu (ANAP), and Umoh Ofonime (NAAPE), read: "Following the escalation of the imbroglio created by the mayhem unleashed on workers by the Imo State Government of Hope Uzodimma and the continued insensitivity of the Government over the matter; and in compliance with the directive of the joint NEC session of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), the above-named unions, being affiliates of NLC and TUC, hereby direct all aviation workers (both public and private) to withdraw all services to all Owerri flights (inwards and outwards) from any airport in Nigeria with effect from midnight of 08/11/2023."
The statement further declared Governor Hope Uzodimma persona non grata at all airports in Nigeria until he purges himself of what they termed "bestial tendencies."
The unions also announced their intention to make efforts through their international affiliations to blacklist Governor Uzodimma worldwide. As part of the strike action, all aviation workers at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, were directed to stay at home, starting from midnight on 08/11/2023, as per the NLC and TUC directives.
To coordinate this strike action, State Councils and Branches of the unions were scheduled to meet in Lagos and Abuja at 5 pm to agree on modalities. The Lagos meeting was set to be held at the NUATE Secretariat, while the Abuja meeting would take place at GAT (pilgrims’ terminal).
This nationwide strike action is of an indefinite nature, remaining in effect until further directions are provided by the NLC and TUC.
The implications of this decision on air travel in Nigeria are significant, and it raises questions about the broader impact on the economy, regional and national politics, and labor relations in the country. It remains to be seen how this crisis will be resolved and the extent of Governor Hope Uzodimma's international isolation as the aviation industry grapples with this unprecedented situation.
