The Federal Government has appealed to aviation unions to shelve their plans for a strike over the deduction of 50 per cent of the internal revenue of aviation agencies.

In a memo dated August 14, the unions comprising the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees (AUPCTRE) had threatened to strike.

They had threatened to stop work on August 21 as a protest over the Federal Government’s deduction of 50 percent of internally generated revenues (IGR) of aviation agencies.

But the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has appealed to them to shelve the planned strike.

Keyamo in a statement he signed on Friday, assured the workers’ unions and other stakeholders in the sector that President Bola Tinubu is “very concerned about the improvement of the Aviation sector and will give their demands due consideration with the goal of finding a lasting solution that balances both the fiscal needs of the government and the operational requirements of the Aviation Agencies”.

“We appeal to all workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the Government is working assiduously towards amicably resolving the matter. The Ministry appreciates their patience and understanding and remains committed to ensuring a conducive work environment for all,” Keyamo said

READ PRESS STATEMENT BELOW

Friday, 16th August, 2024

Press Statement by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Regarding the Call to Action by Aviation Unions over the Deduction of 50% of the Internal Revenue of Aviation Agencies

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has been made aware of the call to action by the workers’ unions within the aviation sector to protest the Federal Government’s deduction of 50% of all internally generated revenue of Aviation Agencies at source. The concerns of the workers, especially regarding the negative impact these deductions have on investment, maintenance of critical infrastructure, and overall operations of the Agencies, have been duly noted.

2. We understand the significance of the issues raised and recognize the vital role that our aviation workforce plays in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth operation of the industry. The Ministry is committed to addressing these challenges in a manner that ensures the continued viability and sustainability of the sector while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery.

3. The Honourable Minister wishes to assure the workers’ Unions and other stakeholders that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very concerned about improvement of the Aviation sector and will give their demands due consideration with the goal of finding a lasting solution that balances both the fiscal needs of the government and the operational requirements of the Aviation Agencies.

4. We appeal to all workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the Government is working assiduously towards amicably resolving the matter. The Ministry appreciates their patience and understanding and remains committed to ensuring a conducive work environment for all.

5. We thank the workers for their understanding and continued dedication to the aviation sector.

Thank you,

Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK)

Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Federal Republic of Nigeria (Channels TV)

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