Aviation workers in Nigeria have suspended a planned protest against the Federal Government's 50% revenue deductions from aviation agencies. Unions blamed the policy for hampering the agencies' operations but have paused protests pending ongoing discussions with higher authorities regarding the controversial deductions.
Aviation workers in Nigeria have suspended their planned protest against the Federal Government’s 50% deductions from the internally generated revenues of key aviation agencies. These agencies include the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The workers, represented by various unions, had initially planned the protest for September 18, 2024, after accusing the government of refusing to reverse the deduction policy. The unions argue that the deductions severely impact the financial capacity of these agencies to operate effectively.
However, in a statement dated September 17, 2024, Olayinka Abioye, the General Secretary of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), announced the suspension of the protest. He explained that ongoing discussions with higher authorities regarding the policy were the reason for the suspension.
Abioye assured workers that their concerns are being addressed and that the outcome of the discussions would be communicated in due course. He also emphasized that the protest is only suspended and could be resumed if the issues remain unresolved.
The aviation unions have remained vocal about the detrimental effects of the 50% deduction policy, which they say hinders the growth and development of the sector. The temporary halt to the protest allows time for negotiations, but the workers are prepared to continue their efforts if a satisfactory resolution is not reached.
