The National President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Ogbe John, has said aviation workers in Nigeria are grappling with worsening economic and operational conditions, calling for urgent reforms as the country marked the 2026 Workers’ Day.
Speaking during the May 1 celebration in Lagos, John highlighted the sacrifices of aviation personnel who continue to sustain the sector despite mounting hardship.
“From the runway to the terminal, workers remain the backbone of aviation. When passengers sleep on flights, air traffic controllers are awake. When families reunite, it is because aviation workers have done their jobs,” he said.
He stressed that engineers, security personnel, baggage handlers, and other staff operate under demanding conditions, yet receive inadequate compensation.
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According to him, rising inflation and the weakening naira have significantly eroded workers’ earnings.
“Our naira is still weak. Food prices rise daily, but salaries are not keeping up. Aviators are suffering in silence. We demand a living wage that reflects the risks we take and the cost of living in 2026,” he stated.
The union leader also criticised the growing reliance on contract and casual labour in the sector, warning that it poses risks to both safety and workers’ dignity.
“The airport should not be a testing ground for casual labour. If there must be safety in the sky, there must be dignity of labour on the ground,” he added.
John further raised concerns over the persistent challenges surrounding the cost and availability of Jet-A1 fuel, noting that global tensions have worsened the situation and could further strain the industry.
He called on the federal government to expedite payment of long-standing entitlements owed to former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways.
“The approved ₦36 billion remains trapped in bureaucratic delays. We urge President Bola Tinubu to ensure immediate implementation,” he said.
He also criticised organisations that resist unionisation, insisting that workers’ rights to belong to trade unions must be respected.
“Unionisation is not a privilege; it is a constitutional right. We will not allow this right to be undermined,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) expressed concerns over recent government interventions, warning that current measures may not be sufficient to address the sector’s challenges.
The association noted that while the Federal Government recently approved a 30 per cent reduction in taxes paid by aviation operators, announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, more comprehensive solutions are needed.
ANAP also raised concerns over planned airport concessions, describing the policy as sensitive and potentially impactful on workers, particularly those under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
The group maintained that while it recognises the government’s authority to concession airports, adequate safeguards must be put in place to protect workers’ welfare and national economic interests.
“We consider recent interventions as insufficient. A more meaningful and sustainable support mechanism is required to stabilise the aviation sector,” the association stated, calling for greater dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders.
