Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has appealed to aviation workers to end their ongoing strike and join hands with the ministry to make Nigeria’s aviation industry a hub in Africa.

Mr Sirika’s appeal is contained in a statement in Abuja by Odutayo Oluseyi, the spokesperson for the Ministry.

On conditions of service in some agencies, the minister said the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission “is already carrying out assessments and will soon conclude”.

“The unions should also note, if they are not already aware, that consequential adjustment of the minimum wage has been finalised and about to be paid any time soon.”

Air travellers were on Monday stranded in the Murtala Muhammad Airport (MMA) terminal as aviation unions began their two-day warning strike.

The unions are demanding the immediate release of the reviewed Condition of Service, and implementation of the minimum wage consequential adjustments and arrears for the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMet since 2019.

They also demanded the halt of the planned demolition exercise of aviation agency buildings in Lagos by the Minister of Aviation for an airport city project.

However, Mr Sirika said the ministry had intensified efforts to meet the workers’ demands and expressed displeasure at the ongoing warning strike.

Mr Sirika described the strike as unnecessary, stating that it would only increase hardship to citizens, affect flight schedules, lead to economic losses, and negatively impact the country’s global rating.

The minister stated that the grievances prompting the strike by the unions ought not to have led to the strike.

“It should be noted that the planned demolition of certain buildings obstructing the runway is in the public interest and an administrative issue that can be sorted in-house.

“The unions should have met with the management of agencies for alternative accommodation to all affected offices before going ahead with the strike.

“On the concession of airports, the unions are aware of global practices.

“And for the aviation industry in Nigeria to be the hub in Africa, a concession is the way to improve infrastructure and make the nation’s airports economically viable without loss of jobs.”

While appealing to the unions to sheath their sword, the management will view seriously any behaviour by any union that is likely to lead to a breakdown of law and order at the airports. 

(NAN)