BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
An Air Traffic Controller and Deputy General Manager (Operations) with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Comrade Oluwole Dada, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of National President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), promising to usher in a new era of inclusive, transparent, and solution-driven leadership.
Speaking during his declaration in Lagos over the weekend, Dada pledged to pursue constructive engagement on all union matters, a comprehensive review of the association’s constitution, and reforms anchored on equity, fairness, and inclusiveness.
He emphasized that his approach to union leadership would prioritize dialogue over confrontation, stressing that mutual respect and open communication with management were essential to resolving industrial disputes.
“My leadership will be solution-oriented, rooted in respect, cooperation, and open dialogue—not confrontation,” Dada said. “We will resolve issues with management through engagement that builds understanding and progress.”
Describing the ATSSSAN constitution as “long overdue for review,” Dada said inclusiveness must become a reality across all branches and affiliates of the union.
“The private sector arms of our union have been yearning for an opportunity to contribute to leadership. We must make inclusiveness a reality and give everyone a sense of belonging,” he declared.
Dada, who currently serves as Branch Chairman of ATSSSAN NAMA, vowed to uphold members’ dignity, enhance welfare packages, and ensure better motivation and remuneration for Secretariat staff.
He promised continuous engagement with affiliate bodies to improve members’ conditions of service, emphasizing that his leadership would be anchored on professionalism and accountability.
“As a thoroughbred professional in the aviation industry, I will drive the union to greater heights for the benefit of all branches. We must unite and resolve internal differences for the collective good of our members,” he affirmed.
Addressing concerns about post-election divisions, Dada assured that reconciliation and teamwork would be key priorities.
“The greatest problem about elections is what happens afterward. If elected, I will ensure genuine engagement with all parties to promote peace and progress within the union,” he promised.
He also decried the recurring trend of union presidents emerging from a single organization, describing it as “unfair and detrimental to industrial harmony.”
“Must all union presidents come from one organization, as if others lack capable leaders? It is not healthy, not fair, and not good for the industry,” he warned.
On the controversial airport concession policy, Dada—who has participated in several stakeholder meetings—reaffirmed that workers’ welfare must remain the top priority.
“We will not allow the airport concession process to go the way of the defunct Nigeria Airways, where workers were left to suffer without their entitlements. All staff issues and liabilities must be fully resolved before any concession takes place,” he stated.
He identified welfare as a persistent challenge across aviation organizations, particularly in the private sector, and pledged to tackle casualization through dialogue and advocacy. Citing NAMA’s example, he said, “We successfully absorbed casual staff through sustained engagement, and that will remain our model going forward.”
Dada also expressed readiness to unionize non-member organizations through peaceful dialogue with their managements, with the aim of strengthening ATSSSAN’s influence across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Concluding, Dada reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, fairness, and inclusiveness in leadership.
“Every member of ATSSSAN will be treated equally. My administration will be anchored on integrity, fairness, and discipline for the good of all,” he declared.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
