Africa: ASRTI Condemns Nigeria’s Aviation Unions’ Strike, Urges Immediate Return To Negotiations

The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, ASRTI, has strongly condemned the flight disruptions caused by aviation labour unions, calling on all parties to halt the action and return to the negotiating table.

In an official press statement issued on Monday, and signed by the President of ASRTI, Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju (rtd), he said it was “deeply appalled” by what it described as a “disruptive and selective strike” organized by labour unions in disregard of the ongoing intervention by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The unions embarked on the strike over the non-remittance of Ticket Sales Charges and Cargo Sales Charges to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. ASRTI, however, said picketing airport terminals over debt recovery matters was “completely out of order.”

According to the group, the enforcement of statutory penalties and recovery of debts owed to regulatory agencies remains the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government and its empowered institutions.

ASRTI cited Section 29 of the Civil Aviation Act, which designates airport operations as essential services, making strikes, pickets, lockouts, and blockades illegal within aerodromes. It also referenced Section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act, which prohibits strikes while mediation is ongoing.

The body expressed concern that the disruptions not only distress passengers but also send negative signals to potential investors and the international community about Nigeria’s aviation sector.

It specifically condemned the targeting of Air Peace Airline for picketing, describing it as “clear bias” and urging that grievances be channeled through corporate headquarters or legal channels instead of sensitive airport environments.

To restore confidence and protect the integrity of the nation’s airspace, ASRTI urged labour unions to immediately stop all blockades at airports and allow the Minister’s mediation process to proceed without coercion.

“Debt recovery must remain strictly between the regulatory authority and the respective carriers via established legal mechanisms,” the statement added.