Labour Leader Warns Against Concession of Airports Without Addressing Workers’ Entitlements
The Secretary General of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), AbdulRazaq Seidu, has cautioned the federal government against proceeding with the concession of Nigerian airports without first resolving critical labour issues.
He described such a move as a potential recipe for disaster, not only for the aviation industry but also for the nation at large.
Seidu emphasised the importance of settling aviation workers’ gratuities, entitlements, and pensions in full before implementing any concession agreements.
His remarks come amid the government’s insistence that airport concessioning is the best route to attract investment for critical infrastructure development in the sector.
Speaking directly to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), Seidu urged caution, warning against succumbing to pressures from individuals advocating for the immediate concessioning of airports.
He argued that failing to address the concerns of workers, particularly those from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), could lead to widespread discontent and disruptions.
Seidu pointed out that discussions around airport concessions have been ongoing for years and have previously been deliberated in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
“We told them on various occasions that the concessioning of the country’s airports is not in the interest of Nigeria. It poses a security risk and could expose the nation to external aggression,” he stated.
He criticised the lack of transparency in past concession efforts and cautioned Keyamo not to repeat the mistakes of his predecessor, Hadi Sirika.
“The former minister initially followed due process but deviated at the final stages, particularly with issues such as the involvement of Ethiopian Airlines,” Seidu noted.
Seidu insisted that all labour matters must be resolved before any concession agreements are finalised. “The minister is a legal luminary, and we expect him to adhere to due process. We are not opposed to the concessioning of airports, but the proper procedures must be followed,” he said.
He stressed the importance of involving unions at every stage of the discussion. “The unions are the backbone of the workforce. Any attempt to sideline them will result in failure, as seen during Sirika’s tenure,” he warned.
Seidu also questioned the absence of governing boards for aviation agencies and called for updated conditions of service for workers. “None of the agencies has an approved, updated condition of service. This neglect must be addressed immediately,” he said.
Appeal to Minister Keyamo
Seidu recommended that any committees formed to discuss airport concessions should be dominated by FAAN union representatives, given their direct stake in the process.
He dismissed the involvement of unions from other agencies, such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) or the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), as irrelevant to FAAN workers’ interests.
“The numerical strength of FAAN workers and retirees is substantial, and their gratuities, entitlements, and pensions must be addressed in full detail before any concession is carried out,” he stated emphatically.
Seidu concluded with a direct appeal to the minister: “I strongly urge Mr. Keyamo to beware of sycophants advising him. He must prioritise the concerns of aviation workers. He has been doing a commendable job so far, and I hope he concludes his tenure on a high note, writing his name in gold.”
The labour leader’s remarks underscore the growing tensions between the government’s push for privatisation and the workers’ demands for fair treatment and job security, a balance that will be critical in shaping the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
