FG moves to end aviation row as airlines, unions agree on fresh measures
By Nnasom David
The Federal Government, aviation sector unions and airline operators have reached a number of resolutions aimed at resolving lingering issues in the industry.
Vanguard reports that this followed an emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, after tensions rocked operations at Abuja and Lagos airports.
The meeting, held as a follow-up to previous engagements with aviation unions and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) after the temporary suspension of the unions’ industrial action on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, was aimed at promoting cooperation and stability in the aviation sector.
A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, said the parties agreed on measures to address outstanding financial obligations between airlines and aviation agencies.
According to the resolutions, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and heads of other aviation agencies will obtain payment schedules from airlines, taking into account airlines’ operational costs and prevailing economic realities.
The statement added that directors of finance and accounts across aviation agencies are expected to meet individual airlines within one week to agree on realistic repayment plans.
The meeting also addressed the issue of workers’ rights to belong or not belong to unions.
Keyamo affirmed that workers have the right to independently decide whether they want to join unions without interference from airline management.
The NCAA was consequently directed to ensure that unions have direct access to employees of all airlines for the distribution of union membership forms, allowing workers to make their decisions freely.
Furthermore, Keyamo warned that any airline that prevents unions from having direct interaction with workers would face sanctions from the NCAA.
The parties also agreed to reconvene after one month to review progress made and assess the state of the issues discussed.
The minister, more so, assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient and sustainable aviation sector.
Keyamo further reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment towards ensuring peace, safety and growth in Nigeria’s aviation industry.