The National Union of Air Transport Employees and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria stopped inbound and outgoing aircraft operations on Monday due to a strike, for which the Federal Government issued an apology to passengers on Wednesday.
Additionally, it threatened to execute the Civil Aviation Act’s provision (2022) banning future employee strikes that would interfere with flights.
“First, in this trying time, we sincerely apologize to our thronging travelers. Since aviation is a necessary service, there are other means to address problems when they arise, but strikes are not tolerated, Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation, told reporters as he left the Council Chambers on Wednesday.
Local and international flights were halted on Monday for a number of hours as staff members of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company went on warning strike over low pay.
The NAHCO management had already received a five-day strike notice from the disgruntled workers.
In addition to other things, they asked for a 100% wage increase as a result of the sector’s overall upward review of ground handling adjustments.
Sources said that the NAHCO management has contacted the court to stop the impending strike.