BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Aviation unions in Nigeria have strongly opposed the ongoing airport concession process, alleging a lack of transparency and exclusion of key stakeholders. The unions; Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), expressed their grievances during a congress held at FAAN Freedom Square, where they shut down all Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) offices and locked the gates in protest.
Speaking at the congress, Comrade Ben Nnabue, NUATE President, expressed dismay over the discovery of concession documents (draft agreement) being circulated without union input, despite previous assurances from the government.
“The minister told us he was not going into concessions, yet we are seeing documents from the ministry outlining plans for long-term airport concessions. We have lost confidence in the management of agencies that engage in secret meetings with the minister,” Nnabue stated.
He further raised concerns about the terms of the agreement, pointing out inconsistencies in the proposed concession period.
“The Full Business Case states 50 years, yet the agreement document indicates 80 years. Is this a concession or a land sale? Management concessions typically last five years—I have never seen an 80-year concession agreement before,” he added.
The unions also criticised the government’s failure to discuss labour issues with them, despite previous assurances by Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
“The minister had told us that all labour concerns would be addressed before any concession takes place. Yet, the documents being circulated already contain legal provisions affecting our members without prior discussions,” said Comrade Adedayo Alale, President of ANAP.
Comrade John Ogbe, 3rd National President of ATSSSAN, reinforced the unions’ stance, clarifying that they were not opposed to concessions but insisted on due process.
“No worker or union is afraid of concession, but it must be done transparently, not through the back door. Aviation workers are critical stakeholders and must be carried along,” Ogbe emphasized.
The unions also pointed out irregularities in the concession process, revealing that while the previous plan allowed them to study the Outline Business Case, the current process has introduced unsolicited cases, bypassing worker input.
At the conclusion of the congress, the unions passed several resolutions:- The implementation of the consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage must commence by next month.
– All outstanding issues concerning Conditions of Service must be addressed within the next two months, with necessary approvals granted.
– The airport concession process must be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that aviation workers are actively involved in decision-making.
The unions warned that any attempt to proceed with the concession without addressing these concerns would be met with stiff resistance.
