BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The newly elected executive of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) branch, has pledged to promote industrial harmony, protect workers’ welfare and work with management to improve the agency’s operations.
The pledge was made during the inauguration of the new executive at NAMA headquarters annex in Lagos.
Speaking at the ceremony, the new branch chairman, Comrade Ekip Ekip Eso, said the executive would pursue responsible unionism, constructive engagement and policies that would improve workers’ welfare and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He said the new leadership recognised the responsibility placed on it by members and would discharge its duties with dedication, fairness and accountability.
Eso thanked members and stakeholders who supported the branch during its delegate conference in Jos. He particularly appreciated the ATSSSAN National President, Comrade John Ogbe, for promoting dialogue and reconciliation that helped restore peace and understanding within the union.
He urged members to sustain the spirit of unity, noting that the association could only achieve its objectives through mutual respect, cooperation and collective commitment.
On the agency’s funding, the chairman declared the branch’s support for management’s efforts to secure a higher share of the Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Aviation Height Clearance revenues.
He said NAMA’s responsibility for managing Nigeria’s airspace required adequate and sustainable funding to maintain critical infrastructure, improve operational capacity and meet its statutory obligations.
According to him, the union would work with sister unions to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders on the matter.
Eso also pledged that the new executive would prioritise workers’ welfare, timely payment of entitlements, fair career progression, professional training and safe working conditions.
He, however, urged NAMA management to intensify efforts to secure the urgent approval and implementation of the agency’s new Conditions of Service to improve staff welfare and sustain industrial peace.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
