BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Labour unions at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the management of the College, threatening to withdraw services if the long-delayed review of staff Conditions of Service is not concluded within the stipulated period.
In a notice addressed to the Rector and Chief Executive Officer of NCAT, the unions accused management of indecision, unseriousness and disregard for staff welfare, warning that patience among workers has been exhausted.
The unions said management’s handling of staff-related issues has undermined industrial harmony, describing its posture as dismissive and discourteous, particularly toward principal and branch officers of the unions.
Despite this, they noted that workers had continued to prioritise the growth of the College in recognition of NCAT’s strategic role as Nigeria’s aviation training powerhouse.
However, the unions said it has become increasingly clear that management has been paying lip service to improving conditions of employment, stressing that NCAT now stands out negatively as the only agency in the aviation sector yet to conclude its Conditions of Service review.
“This continued delay is unacceptable and provocative,” the unions declared, adding that management’s latest actions, or lack thereof, confirm a pattern of neglect toward workers’ legitimate demands.
The notice warned that failure to conclude the Conditions of Service review within 14 days would leave the unions with no option but to direct their members to withdraw their services immediately, a move that could disrupt training and operations at the aviation institution.
“Enough is enough,” the unions stated, signalling readiness for industrial action if management fails to act decisively.
Despite the ultimatum, the unions reiterated their willingness to support the College in achieving its mandate, stressing that their demands are rooted in fairness, equity and the need for a motivated workforce.
The ultimatum was jointly signed by leaders of four aviation and technical unions operating in the College.
They are; Comrade Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE); Comrade Frances Akinjole, General Secretary, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN); Comrade AbdulRasaq Saidu, Secretary General, Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and Comrade Waheed Sikiru, General Secretary, National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE).
Copies of the notice were also sent to branch chairmen and secretaries of the unions, underscoring the seriousness of the threat as the countdown to possible industrial action begins.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
