Nigeria’s aviation sector is bracing for major disruptions as four major industry unions have directed all staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to withdraw their services indefinitely from Monday, August 11, 2025.
The directive, jointly issued on Thursday, August 7, 2025, was signed by leaders of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).
According to the statement, the decision follows the expiration of an earlier notice of withdrawal of services issued on July 30, 2025. From 05:00hrs on Monday, August 11, all NAMA workers are to halt operations until further notice.
The unions have informed all airlines, allied companies, and the flying public of the impending action, urging them to make alternative travel arrangements.
“All staff shall comply with this directive, and only joint communication from the National Secretariats of the above-named unions shall be heeded with regard to further directives on this matter,” the statement read.
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The withdrawal of services is expected to impact air navigation, flight safety coordination, and other operational services essential to Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Those copied in the letter include the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Managing Director of NAMA, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Commissioner of Police, Airports Command, Directors of State Security (All Airports), and the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
The unions did not detail the specific grievances leading to the industrial action in the notice, but aviation insiders warn that the strike could ground both domestic and international flights, leading to significant economic and logistical consequences across the country.
