Aviation Unions Pull NAMA Staff into Indefinite Action
BusinessDay Nigeria reports that a coalition of aviation unions has called for an indefinite strike, starting Monday, August 11 at 05:00 AM, demanding long-overdue salary adjustments from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
The directive came via a joint letter signed on 31 July 2025, giving the government a seven-day ultimatum, which the unions say expired without resolution.
Who’s Involved?
The unions issuing the strike notice include:
- National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE)
- Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN)
- Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)
- Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical & Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE)
These bodies jointly informed all stakeholders, airlines, airport operators, and the public, to expect flight disruptions.
What Are They Demanding?
Negotiations concluded over eight months ago, but the government hasn’t implemented the recommended pay structure. The unions warn that continued inaction justifies a total withdrawal of services.
Expected Impact
- Nationwide flight delays and cancellations: a full shutdown of air navigation services.
- Stranded passengers: call for alternative travel and route adjustments.
- Revenue losses: from airlines and airports due to operational halts.
- Ripple economic effect: affecting tourism, business travel, and freight.
Why It Matters
The strike threatens Nigeria’s aviation stability, especially as NAMA plays a central role in airspace control, safety, and flight coordination.
Without a resolution, delays in passenger movement and cargo flow could ripple across the economy. Nigeria, as a regional hub, may see broader impacts on West African travel and logistics.
What’s Next?
Expect the government or Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to initiate urgent negotiations or intervene.
Failure to address salary demands may extend the strike beyond airports, potentially involving other sectors. This scenario draws parallels to the June 2024 general strike, where unions froze electricity and aviation services nationwide.
