Aviation workers in Nigeria plan a nationwide protest on September 18, 2024, against a 50% revenue deduction policy affecting aviation agencies. Key unions demand the reversal of this policy, arguing it threatens the sustainability of crucial agencies like the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority.
Aviation workers across Nigeria are preparing to hold a peaceful protest on September 18, 2024, in response to the government's 50% deduction policy on the internally generated revenues of aviation agencies. The announcement was made by key figures from various unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.
In a joint statement, union leaders, including Ocheme Aba and Frances Akinjole, expressed their frustration over the government’s refusal to reverse the revenue deduction policy. They emphasized that agencies like the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency are cost-recovery organizations, not profit-driven entities. The unions argue that the significant revenue cuts jeopardize the operations and sustainability of these agencies.
The protests will occur simultaneously at all major airports across the country, with calls for solidarity from all aviation workers. The unions stated that prior negotiations with the government have failed, and the ultimatum given to the Minister of Aviation has long expired. They highlight that the deductions, which rose from 25% to 40% and now 50% since the introduction of the TSA policy in 2022, have placed an unsustainable financial burden on aviation workers and their respective agencies. The aviation unions are determined to press for the discontinuation of these deductions to ensure the continued viability of the sector.
