Offices of various aviation agencies in Lagos were shut on Tuesday as aviation unions embarked on a warning strike. Members of the unions laid siege to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, resulting in gridlock around the airport and its environs.

Security agents manned strategic points in the area to prevent the breakdown of law and order as unionists chanted solidarity songs.

Abdul Saidu, the secretary general of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, expressed disappointment that the “conditions of service” agreement had not been implemented after eight years of signing.

He also frowned upon the planned demolition of offices of aviation agencies by the aviation ministry, noting that the idea was flawed.

“For over eight years, the conditions of service have not been implemented as the aviation agencies are functioning without governing boards, and there are no checks and balances,” Mr Saidu revealed. 

He added, “The aviation ministry wants to destroy buildings in the sector for a road map that isn’t approved by Lagos state, and even the approved one in Abuja hasn’t been done, so what is the point?”

Mr Saidu said the unions would begin a full-scale strike if their demands were not addressed.

The unions are demanding the immediate release of the reviewed condition of service, implementation of the minimum wage consequential adjustments and payment of arrears for the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) from 2019.

The unions also demanded the halt of the planned demolition of aviation agencies buildings in Lagos by the aviation ministry for an airport city project.

The unions issued a 14-day ultimatum to the ministry and specific aviation parastatal agencies on February 7 over non-implementation of the minimum wage consequential adjustments and arrears for NiMet. 

(NAN)