Sirika calls for truce as unions picket NCAA, ground activities at MMA

The unions, under the aegis of National Union of Air a Transport Employee ( NUATE), Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria ( ATSSSAN), Association of Nigerian Aviation professionals ( ANAP) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and engineers ( NAAPE), besieged the headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority on Wednesday morning, blocking all entry points to and from the airport.

TW gathered that the unions had, hitherto, issued a notice of strike to the Authority to press home their demands bordering review of the recently approved organogram of the agency that collapsed some departments and directorates.

The Unions are also seeking approval of the new Condition of Service (COS) and the inauguration of Boards for the Authority.

In a swift reaction, the Minister of States for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has called for calm and demanded to have a round table discussion with the disgruntled unions with a view to address their grievances.

In a statement issued by the General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, the Authority said the issues raised by the unions were beyond its jurisdiction, calling for a truce to allow for a healthy discussion between the unions and the supervising ministry.

The statement reads: “The Minister of State (Aviation) Senator Hadi Sirika has invited the Aviation Unions to a meeting today to address all issues raised by the workers.

Aviation Unions are presently on strike thereby disrupting services at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s offices. 

The Unions are demanding a review of the organisation’s Organogram , approval  of the new Condition of Service (COS) and inauguration of Boards for the Authority

These issues are, however, not within the jurisdiction of NCAA management. 

Therefore, the Regulatory Authority will work with the supervising ministry to ensure that all issues are properly addressed to the satisfaction of all parties.

The Authority has absolute confidence that the meeting between the Honourable Minister and  the Unions will provide amicable resolution. 

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) hereby  appeal  to all aviation stakeholders who are not able to access services at our offices today to remain calm as normalcy will soon be restored.”