The coalition of aviation unions under the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has suspended its planned nationwide strike, following what leaders described as “significant progress” in negotiations for improved remuneration and welfare packages.
The strike, originally scheduled to commence on Monday, August 11, 2025, was expected to ground operations across the nation’s airspace. It had been called in response to long-standing grievances over salary adjustments, delayed implementation of wage structures, and improved working conditions.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, leaders of the unions—including the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE)—confirmed that they had received assurances from NAMA management and government officials to address their demands without further delay.
The unions highlighted two major developments that influenced their decision:
Approval from the Budget Office: A “no objection” letter was issued to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission (NISWC), clearing the way for salary adjustments.
Commitment from NAMA Management: The agency pledged to begin payment of the revised remuneration alongside August salaries, a move that union leaders described as a significant sign of goodwill.
According to the statement jointly signed by union leaders, including AbdulRasaq Saidu (ANAP), Odinaka Igbokwe (NUATE), Frances Akinjole (ATSSSAN), and Alo Lawrence (AUPCTRE), the decision to suspend the strike is a demonstration of good faith.
“Based on these developments and in the spirit of industrial harmony, we have decided to defer our planned strike, pending the state of affairs at the end of August 2025,” the unions stated.
They also urged all NAMA staff to remain alert and united as the situation evolves.
The intervention of the Minister of Aviation and senior officials of the ministry proved crucial in breaking the impasse. According to union insiders, high-level meetings were held throughout the week to avert what could have been a major disruption to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Industry experts say that such swift resolution is vital for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of critical aviation infrastructure, especially at a time when the sector is still recovering from pandemic-era setbacks and foreign exchange challenges.
Had the strike proceeded, the consequences would have been far-reaching:
Flight Cancellations: Both domestic and international flights would likely have been disrupted.
Economic Losses: Billions of naira in daily losses for airlines, logistics companies, and airport services.
Reputational Damage: Nigeria’s image as a reliable air transport hub in West Africa could have suffered.
Aviation analysts note that strikes in the sector have ripple effects, impacting tourism, business travel, and even emergency services that rely on airspace management.
The unions have made it clear that the suspension is temporary and contingent upon the government and NAMA fulfilling their promises before the end of August. If progress stalls, there remains the possibility of renewed industrial action.
For now, travellers and stakeholders can breathe a sigh of relief as normal operations continue. However, labour watchers say the episode underscores the need for permanent frameworks for wage negotiations in the aviation industry, to prevent recurring disputes.