In a strong-worded caution, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against disrupting airport flight operations. The minister's warning came during the ministerial retreat in Delta, where he addressed the escalating tensions between the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the aviation sector.
The warning follows a recent protest by NLC and TUC that disrupted flights bound for Owerri, leaving numerous passengers stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The protest was in response to the alleged maltreatment of Joe Ajaero, NLC president.
Keyamo, addressing the labor leaders, pleaded with them to refrain from targeting the aviation industry in expressing their grievances. He emphasized the global significance of aviation and urged against obstructing access roads to airports.
"I want to beg the labor leaders, leave aviation alone. You cannot target aviation in trying to address your grievances," Keyamo asserted, adding, "I will not allow the labor movement to target aviation. If they do, I will fight back. They should not bring politics into aviation."
The minister stressed the vital role of the aviation industry in fostering sustainable growth and development in other sectors of the Nigerian economy. He outlined a five-point agenda for the sector's rapid transformation, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's eight priority areas.
Keyamo underscored priorities such as strict compliance with national and international laws, support for local airline business, human capacity development, and revenue generation optimization.
Speaking about the retreat's aim, Keyamo highlighted the need for a comprehensive industry analysis to formulate practical solutions for achieving desired results. He expressed confidence in the private sector's role in driving growth and development in the aviation sector to attract foreign direct investment.
