* Aviation workers begin warning strike Monday, Tuesday
* Reps to meet with stakeholders
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), on Sunday, disclosed that it would not be stopping operations across all airports in the country as earlier announced.
The association, through a statement released on Sunday evening, explained that it is suspending the decision in the interest of the national economy and security considerations.
The AON President, Abdulmunaf Sarina, announced the suspension through a statement jointly signed by six members of the association.
They include Abdulmunaf – Managing Director of Azman Air; Shehu Wada – Executive Director of Max Air; and Obiora Okonkwo – Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.
Others are Roy Ilegbodu – Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air; Abdullahi Mahmood – Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors; and Allen Onyema – Chairman of Air Peace.
Earlier, the Ministry of Aviation had assured Nigerians that members of AON were reviewing their decision to withdraw services from Monday, May 9.
It confirmed that Ibom Air, Green Africa Airlines, Arik Air, Dana Air, and others said they would carry on with their normal flight schedules.
The statement read:
“The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) wishes to inform the general public that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, that the AON has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution.
“We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities.
“In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022, is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government.”
Notwithstanding, aviation workers nationwide will Monday begin a two-day warning strike to protest the Federal government’s alleged failure to implement their negotiated conditions of service.
Indeed staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and others have been directed by their unions to stay away from work Monday and Tuesday.
The National Union of Air Transport Employees ( NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals as well as the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees had at the weekend issued a special bulletin to workers of aviation agencies to inform them of the warning strike.
The bulletin reads: “Our Unions have no alternative than to embark on an industrial action to press home our demand for justice and equity, especially considering the long-suffering, patience and forbearance on the part of our members which has now reached yield point.”
“Accordingly, all workers in NAMA, NCAA, NiMeT and NCAT are hereby directed to embark on a two-day warning strike on the 9th and 10th of May, 2022.
“Should the warning go unheeded, an indefinite strike shall be called soon after.”
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has cancelled the emergency plenary session scheduled for Monday to discuss what they termed critical national issues.
Instead, its leadership is to meet with critical stakeholders in the aviation sector on Monday to discuss issues on operation of airlines in the country.
The Clerk to the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, said the cancellation followed the near resolution of issues that necessitated the emergency session in the first place.
He said: “I am directed to inform all Hon Members, staff, media and the general public that the House hereby cancels the Emergency Plenary Session earlier scheduled for tomorrow 9th May, 2022.
“This cancellation follows from the near-resolution of some of the major critical issues in the Aviation Industry that necessitated the original notice. The House appreciates the positive concern, reaction and contributions of all Hon Members to these critical National issues.
“However, the Leadership of the House will still meet with relevant stakeholders tomorrow 9th May, 2023 at 2pm. The House sincerely regrets any inconvenience this short notice would have caused.”
Airline operators under the auspices of Airline Operators of Nigeria have threatened to shut down flight operations from Monday as a result of high cost of aviation fuel selling for N700 per litre.