The threat of a nationwide paralysis in Nigeria’s air transport system has been temporarily lifted as aviation workers’ unions have suspended their planned strike, originally scheduled to begin on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the suspension late Sunday, citing constructive engagement between the unions, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and his ministry.
In his statement on X, Keyamo revealed: “We are happy to announce that, after our intervention, the planned strike by the Aviation Unions due to commence tomorrow has been shelved.”
The decision came after intense negotiations involving 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 (AUCPTRE).
Keyamo attributed the progress to his established rapport with labour movements. “Given my long relationship with labour Unions, I have continued to work with our Comrades to find lasting solutions to issues that have been pending in the sector long before we came to office, and by showing absolute good faith, the issues would be resolved one by one,” he explained.
The unions had previously doubled down on their strike threat in an August 8 statement, pointing to “unfavourable circumstances” in their push for a long-promised wage review. Their plan would have seen all NAMA workers down tools, grounding both domestic and international flights, and forcing airlines and passengers to make alternative arrangements.
According to the unions, the situation shifted after what they described as “positive developments” late last week. These included the Budget Office’s issuance of a “no objection” letter to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission on August 7, clearing a key hurdle to implementing the new remuneration structure.
NAMA also issued an internal memo assuring employees that it was working tirelessly to ensure payment of the revised salaries with August wages.
In light of these changes, the unions resolved: “Based on the above, and in order to demonstrate good faith, our unions have taken the decision to defer the strike action scheduled to commence on Monday, August 11, 2025, pending the state of affairs on the subject matter at the end of August 2025.”
They urged NAMA staff to maintain a watchful and optimistic stance: “Accordingly, we enjoin all staff of NAMA to join us in keeping a hopeful watch as the situation unfolds.”
The strike threat, which had been brewing since late July when unions served their notice of withdrawal of services, underscored growing tensions in the sector over stagnant wages amid inflation and increased operational demands.
With the clock now ticking towards the end of August, stakeholders say the next few weeks will determine whether this temporary reprieve becomes a lasting resolution or merely a pause before another showdown in Nigeria’s aviation industry.