The ongoing strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), aimed at protesting the Federal Government’s stance on wage increases, has significantly impacted flight operations across Nigeria. Passengers were met with cancellations and delays at major airports, including Lagos airport terminals, today, Monday, as aviation workers partook in the nationwide industrial action.
Strikers blocked entry points to essential facilities like Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) and the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), leading to passengers carrying their luggage considerable distances to reach the terminals. Various airlines experienced departures being put on hold, resulting in extensive passenger delays.
The decision to join the strike, according to a letter from the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), reflects broad worker discontent with the government’s handling of the proposed minimum wage increase. Currently, organised labour is demanding a raise from the proposed N60,000 minimum wage.
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Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, acknowledged that flight operations had been affected but noted that essential services by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) were still operational to some extent.
United Nigeria Airlines also reported significant disruptions to its flight schedule, with no departures being sanctioned, adversely affecting the airline’s operational capabilities. The company has issued an apology to its passengers, promising to stay vigilant and communicate updates regarding the situation.
The labour strike, which began today, Monday, saw Organised Labour enforcing a blockade on aviation agencies’ access points at key transport hubs, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This move underlines the workers’ resolve to pressure the government into implementing a new National Minimum Wage.
