Flights in Nigeria are set to be grounded as workers unions within the nations aviation sector have announced a fresh strike which is scheduled to commence on September 18.
The strike action follows the Federal Governments refusal to reverse the 50% deduction policy from internally generated revenues of agencies in the aviation sector.
In a joint statement signed by leaders of five aviation workers unions, the workers expressed their frustration with the governments refusal to discontinue the deductions, which they claim have severely impacted the financial stability of critical agencies.
These agencies include the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA); Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN); Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMET), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
The unions, comprising the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees, warned that critical safety activities are already being compromised due to financial strain.
The workers accused the government of ignoring their pleas, despite the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the Minister of Aviation in August.
