Aviation Workers to Withdraw Services Nationwide From August 11, 2025

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), along with other major aviation unions, has issued a formal notice for a complete withdrawal of services by airport workers, effective Monday, August 11, 2025, at 5:00 a.m. This unprecedented action comes after a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government expired without any resolution on the implementation of a revised salary structure for workers under the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

The unions, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), delivered the ultimatum on July 31, 2025, to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The ultimatum demanded enforcement of a salary adjustment agreement reached over eight months ago but yet to be actioned by the government.

Frustrations among rank-and-file members have been mounting due to the delay, which they describe as a breach of trust by NAMA management and the Ministry of Aviation. The withdrawal of services threatens to paralyze Nigeria’s airspace operations, impacting travel, commerce, and economic activities nationwide.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Ministry of Aviation has not yet officially responded, though internal efforts are reportedly underway to engage the unions and prevent the strike. Travelers and aviation stakeholders are urged to monitor updates closely as disruptions are expected to commence early Monday morning.

This labor dispute highlights ongoing tensions between aviation workers and the federal government, occurring alongside significant government spending on airport infrastructure, including a controversial ₦712.3 billion renovation project for Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s Terminal 1, which has drawn public scrutiny.